Staff Flight Test Engineer, VTOL

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

SUMMARY / ABOUT THE JOB

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 qualification testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated test engineer to help develop a brand new aircraft; someone whose skillsets have emphasis in propulsion and flying qualities flight test, vertical-lift aircraft, mechanical, and electrical aircraft systems. If you are interested in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded, this is an excellent opportunity for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Act as a flight test engineer for new unmanned, VTOL aircraft responsible for planning and execution system-level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on conducting lab, ground, and flight test, resource planning, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Collect and perform initial test data analysis for the system under test.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop requirements, discuss test results, identify system behaviors, drive product enhancements, and process improvements
• Support integration and initial functional tests of components and sub-systems
• Manage the use of test ranges and coordinate with external agencies to facilitate testing activities.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Tasked with taking on numerous challenges that will require creativity and determination to solve in the fast paced test environment you’ll be working within.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate with Bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with 5+ years of experience as test conductor/test director for manned or Group 5 UAS developmental aircraft, to include high-risk flight test events
• Thorough understanding of engineering principles, especially in performance, stability, and control of VTOL aircraft.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• 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 or project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Working Knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software; prior experience with Pixhawk flight controllers running Ardupilot and PX4 for air vehicles, including setup, operation, and tuning.
• Proven experience in designing and executing rigorous testing protocols/procedures.
• Skillful in data analysis and comfortable in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Has demonstrated experience implementing and exercising sound critical thinking skills in a demanding environment
• Availability to travel for testing-related activities on an as needed basis.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret-Level security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience on a team that executed first flight on a manned or Group 5 UAS developmental aircraft.
• Early envelope expansion flight test experience from the test conductor position to include handling qualities.
• Experience with multiple different propulsion systems to include air-breathing, and hybrid-electric systems.
• Direct ex