Anduril Industries · 4 hours ago
Staff Flight Test Engineer, Aircraft Development
Costa Mesa, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$166K/yr - $220K/yr
10+ years expAnduril Industries is a defense technology company focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Staff Flight Test Engineer will lead the developmental testing of new aircraft and manage technical efforts, ensuring efficient execution of test programs while collaborating with various engineering teams.
AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)GovernmentMilitaryNational Security
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
As a Principal Flight Test Engineer, under minimal supervision, you will determine and develop and recommend various approaches to achieve T&E goals set by Anduril T&E leadership. You will manage and guide the technical efforts of the Fury T&E Flight Test Engineers and control room personnel. You will provide direct input to test event planning, preparation, execution and reporting
This position will focus heavily on new aircraft development, with emphasis on envelope expansion, flying qualities and vehicle autonomy. You will supervise a team that will author ground and flight test plans, develop a comprehensive flight test campaign, execute test events from a control room environment and direct the configuration of multiple test articles in support of high-risk test events
Test duties include the testing hardware and software in laboratory, ground and flight test environments, with emphasis placed on resource planning. You will be expected to seek process improvements to increase test efficiency across all test environments
You will facilitate and lead the technical interactions between disparate engineering teams. You will coordinate across the members of T&E IPT, including Flight Operations and Maintenance
You will directly contribute to periodic and milestone engineering reviews, often facilitating technical discussions between Anduril and customer representatives
Faced with numerous technical and execution challenges, you will be expected to develop creative solutions to unique problems. You will be biased for action — you are empowered to engage your team to solve and fix any problem you encounter without direct supervision
You will be part of an organization that challenges traditional T&E paradigms and is poised to affect the trajectory of the flight test industry
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems
A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
Extensive experience as a test conductor/test director for developmental aircraft
Test engineering experience working with developmental systems of manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, test planning and execution, and test reporting
Must have a complete understanding of Test & Evaluation engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; with experience demonstrating a broad application of those areas. This includes experience working across program Integrated Product Teams to influence system design or configuration
Previous experience with and current working knowledge of DCMA INST 8210, MIL-STD-516, 14 CFR, and service related T&E guiding documents. Foundational expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System, government restricted airspace and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof
Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems
Strong computer and documentation experience
Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas
Experience with large aircraft development and working with the Department of Defense (DoD)
Able to work extended hours as required
Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution
Ability to immediately obtain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance
Preferred
15+ years experience in Test & Evaluation, or related technical fields
Previously held a role as the Lead Flight Test Engineer
Been a part of the first flight of a developmental aircraft, or major aircraft system
Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it
Experience managing individuals or teams of multiple individuals
Experience with large UAS development
Previous experience working within a Combined Test Force or equivalent
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
Pension plan with employer match.
Superannuation plan.
Company
Anduril Industries
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$6.25BKey Investors
AlphaTON Capital Corp.Founders FundU.S. Department of Defense
2025-12-16Corporate Round· $30M
2025-06-05Series G· $2.5B
2025-01-07Grant· $14.3M
Leadership Team
Brian Schimpf
Co-Founder and CEO
Joseph Chen
Co-founder
Recent News
Bizjournals.com Feed (2025-11-12 15:43:17)
2026-01-24
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