2026 Early Career Test & Evaluation Engineer

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Costa Mesa, CA · Hardware Platform : Hardware Test Operations : Test & Evaluation

This role focuses on leading and executing test programs for mission autonomy capabilities, utilizing surrogate vehicles and analyzing data to validate system performance. The engineer will design test plans, work with cross-functional teams, and communicate with government partners to ensure autonomous systems meet rigorous standards.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead T&E test programs for individual development projects from start to finish
  2. Coordinate, plan, and execute test events for mission autonomy capabilities utilizing surrogate vehicles
  3. Design and implement test plans that challenge and verify the capabilities of autonomous systems in a variety of simulated mission profiles.
  4. Analyze data from tests to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement
  5. Drive end-to-end test management by shaping program requirements, designing comprehensive test plans, leading execution efforts, analyzing complex data, and delivering clear, concise reports to cross-functional and program teams.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in autonomous systems testing
  • 0-2 years of in-depth T&E experience, preferably with autonomous systems
  • Demonstrated ability in developing and executing test plans for complex systems within aggressive timelines
  • Proven experience coordinating and executing complex test events
  • Experience developing metrics and performance dashboards
  • Proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to engage and communicate with military and government customers
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance

Nice to have

  • Direct experience in the development, testing, and deployment of mission autonomy systems in a defense or aerospace context
  • Familiarity with FAA, FCC, and other relevant regulations
  • Hands-on experience with simulation environments and tools used for testing autonomous systems
  • Familiarity with software development practices and experience with programming languages used in autonomy and robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS)
  • Prior experience mentoring junior team members
  • Knowledge of current industry and military standards related to unmanned aerial systems and their operation within national airspace

What the JD emphasized

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.

Other signals

  • mission autonomy systems
  • autonomous systems testing
  • iterative development of our autonomous systems