Flight Test Engineering Lead - Ghost

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril plays a crucial role in our mission , ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, software validation testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Ghost sUAS platform. Ghost is a Group 2 autonomous vehicle specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well as Ghost’s integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations.

What you’ll do

• As a Flight Test Engineering Lead you will partner with the Ghost engineering to and be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).


• Test duties include:
  
  
  
  • Supporting daily flight test operations and campaigns at multiple test locations. Candidate will support and plan test events in support of the product roadmap and production schedule.
  
  
  • Manage and oversee a sound configuration management plan and of test assets in preparation for multiple test campaigns.
  
  
  • Manage an inventory plan to keep all assets fully mission capable and ready for test.
  
  
  • Coach and mentor team to prepare for test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness. Create and disseminate test reports that create awareness for all stakeholders on system status in varying test campaigns and/or initiatives.
  
  
  • Generate and oversee the execution of test cards, pre- and post-flight briefings, and manage test events with a broad support team (pilots, engineering subject matter experts, etc.).
  
  
  • Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
  
  
  • Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
  
  
  • Collect metrics and report on metrics that highlight product performance, progression, and maturity.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.




• Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus.


• Leadership : Experience coaching and mentoring a team to prepare for test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness.


• Aviation Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in flight testing, flight test planning, or aviation systems development.




• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or aircraft systems integration is strongly preferred.


• Flight Test Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of flight test principles, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.




• Familiarity with test card development, safety risk assessments, and test methodology.


• Experience in a range of flight test environments, such as performance, avionics, or systems testing.


• Technical Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly understand new technical concepts and apply them effectively.




• Ability to assess and mitigate technical risks during flight testing.


• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.




• Capable of clearly documenting test plans, procedures, and results.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams, including engineering, program management, and operations.


• Regulatory Knowledge: Current or ability to obtain FAA 14 CFR Part 107 certification for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.




• Knowledge of FAA regulations and National Airspace procedures, particularly as they relate to manned and unmanned aircraft operations.


• Project Management: Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for complex test activities.




• Strong organizational skills to manage work phases, timelines, and deliverables.


• Security Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.


• Work Environment Flexibility:




• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required.


• Ability to travel for test planning, execution, and customer engagements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux-based operating systems. Experience with GitHub, CircleCI, ssh, bash, and command line.


• Knowledge and experience with Group 1/2 rotary systems that utilize commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) flight control systems and Ardupilot firmware.


• Experience working DoD programs.


• Familiarity with remote operations and ground control stations.


• Prior experience with military or civilian flight test operations.


• Direct experience working with UAS platforms or autonomous systems.


• Test Pilot School experience or equivalent training is highly desirable.

US Salary Range

$142,000 - $180,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
  
  
  
  • For UK roles, Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Anduril will cover the full cost of the insurance premium for an employee and dependents.
  
  
  • For AUS roles, Private health plan through Bupa: Coverage is fully subsidized by Anduril.
  
  


• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.


• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.


• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.


• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.


• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.


• A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.


• Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.


• Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.


• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).


• 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)

The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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