Flight Test Engineer, Ghost

Anduril Anduril · Defense · San Clemente, CA · Hardware Engineering : Hardware Test Operations : Hardware Test Operations

This role is for a Flight Test Engineer for a defense technology company's autonomous vehicle platform (Ghost) used for ISR missions. The engineer will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability and integration into larger systems. While the company utilizes AI and autonomous systems, this specific role focuses on the testing and evaluation of these systems rather than their core development or research.

What you'd actually do

  1. As a Flight Test Engineer you will partner with the Ghost engineering to be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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, senior FTEs, etc.).
  5. Collect metrics and report on metrics that highlight product performance, progression, and maturity.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
  • 1-3 years of experience in flight testing, flight test planning, or aviation systems development
  • Understanding of flight test principles, including test planning, execution, and data analysis
  • Familiarity with test card development, safety risk assessments, and test methodology
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to quickly understand new technical concepts and apply them effectively
  • Ability to assess and mitigate technical risks during flight testing
  • 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
  • Current or ability to obtain FAA 14 CFR Part 107 certification for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required
  • Willingness and ability to conduct field testing in diverse outdoor environments
  • Comfortable with hands-on work that involves physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and setting up test equipment
  • Ability to occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 80 lbs

Nice to have

  • Master's degree in a relevant field
  • Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or aircraft systems integration
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations and National Airspace procedures, particularly as they relate to manned and unmanned aircraft operations
  • 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

What the JD emphasized

  • evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability
  • integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations
  • test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware)
  • daily flight test operations and campaigns
  • test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness
  • test findings
  • test status
  • test cards
  • test events
  • test planning, execution, and customer engagements