Senior Test Pilot - Group 5

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

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company developing advanced systems for military applications. This role focuses on supporting the development and field testing of large Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) products, involving flight preparation, conducting flight tests as a pilot, and supporting the test engineering team. The position requires extensive experience as a Group 5 UAV pilot, graduate of a test pilot school, and significant flight hours in engineering and experimental flight tests. Responsibilities include developing test procedures, participating in ground and flight testing, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring flight safety. The role also involves supporting other platforms as a surrogate and chase pilot.

What you'd actually do

  1. Collaborate closely with Flight Test Engineers and Discipline Engineers to develop safe, effective, and efficient test procedures, evaluate system and test safety, and verify the functional design of the system.
  2. Participate in ground and flight testing of developmental aircraft to determine compliance with specifications, validate airworthiness, and assess operational suitability.
  3. Assist in developing system test procedures and engage in laboratory and surrogate open-air environment testing.
  4. Serve as a guiding member within the Test and Evaluation team, regularly interfacing with the T&E lead, T&E Technical Director, Chief Test Pilot, Lead Flight Test Engineer, and customer representatives.
  5. Take direct responsibility for the safe flight of the aircraft and act as an advisor during safety reviews, design reviews, and airworthiness reviews.

Skills

Required

  • Graduate of a U.S. military test pilot school (TPS) or meet DCMAINST 8210.1 series alternate education and experience qualifications for contractor UA pilot/operator.
  • 5+ years experience as a Group 5 UAV pilot.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • Qualifying hours must include 200 hours Pilot-in-Command during engineering flight test and 10 hours during experimental flight test.
  • Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating.
  • FAA Class 2 Medical, renewed annually.
  • Ability to travel as required to support off-site aircraft testing.
  • Strong ability to quickly understand new concepts, apply them accurately, organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases, and determine appropriate approaches to complex problems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, especially regarding technical subjects and authoring technical documents supporting safe aircraft operation.
  • Experience authoring flight manuals and technical documentation necessary to operate developmental aircraft and delivering configuration-controlled publications to customers.
  • Proficiency with basic MS Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; capable of performing complex tasks.
  • Willingness to work extended and irregular hours.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.

Nice to have

  • 10+ years experience as a Group 5 UAV pilot working with developmental aircraft.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • ATP certificate with Class 1 medical.
  • Certified Flight Instructor / Instrument.

What the JD emphasized

  • Graduate of a U.S. military test pilot school (TPS) or meet DCMAINST 8210.1 series alternate education and experience qualifications for contractor UA pilot/operator.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command time or 500 hours in unmanned aircraft.
  • Qualifying hours must include 200 hours Pilot-in-Command during engineering flight test and 10 hours during experimental flight test.