Staff Flight Test Engineer, VTOL

Anduril Industries
Costa Mesa, CA

This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in developmental test of a new and revolutionary Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS, and experience performing test lead/manager responsibilities. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments to help build a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. The role will be responsible for assisting on planning, coordination, execution and reporting on all facets of the test program.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril works across the entire spectrum of products and business lines, as well as all flight operations and test range management. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, sub-component qualification testing and much more. In short, if it involves test, we support it. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.

What you’ll do

  • As a Staff Flight Test Engineer, under minimal supervision, you will determine, 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 Flight Test Engineering team and supporting 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 rigs, ground and flight test environments,. You will be expected to seek process improvements to increase test efficiency across all test environments.

  • With the right candidate, act as Pilot In Command for envelope expansion and early flight campaigns.

  • You will facilitate and lead the technical interactions between disparate engineering teams. You will coordinate across Test & Evaluation, 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.


Required Qualifications


  • 6+ 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.

  • Able to work extended hours as required.

  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution

  • Ability to immediately obtain a U.S. Secret level security clearance.


Preferred Qualifications


  • 15+ years experience in Test & Evaluation, or related technical fields.

  • Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School.

  • Valid FAA Class 2 medical.

  • Masters in Aerospace Engineering, or engineering related technical discipline.

  • Previous experience as a Test Pilot on a manned or large rotorcraft or powered-lift UAS.

  • First flight experience on a developmental manned or large UAS.

  • Been a part of the first flight of a developmental aircraft, or major aircraft system.

  • Experience with test operations within the UK or Europe.

  • Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it

  • Experience managing individuals or teams of multiple individuals

  • Current or previous Part 61 Commercial or Private Helicopter Pilot.

US Salary Range

$142,000 - $175,000 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!

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit .

Posted 2025-11-25

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