Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California

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 validation testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Altius UAS platform. Altius is a Group 2/3 autonomous vehicle specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well as Altius's integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations.. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments to help support and/or lead 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.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Plan and execute system-level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Work closely with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements, and discuss test results to include collected data and observations.
• Perform safety and risk analysis for testing events.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).
• Test duties include:
  • Support and plan test events conducted at test sites as required by the specific test.
  • Configuration management of test owned assets. This includes specific to test configuration management (hardware components, specific payloads, software/firmware configuration) as well as fleet management (facilitate and track required maintenance, planning/assigning asset requirements for current testing and future efforts).
  • Generation of evaluation test plans and reports focusing on system functionality and suitability of software and hardware integration efforts. In addition to technical test planning, planning includes safety (risk, hazards, develop mitigations) and logistical (available hardware, airspace, personnel resources, timeline/scheduling).
  • Generate and execute test cards, conduct pre and post flight briefings, and manage test events with diverse support teams (pilots, engineering subject matter experts (SME), operations). Testing execution will include operating Altius when conducting system evaluation testing.
  • Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
  • Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
  • Collect metrics for flight test events to include sortie information and delays.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution
• 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.
• Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Must play in active role in strengthening communication channels both within the team and externally (engineering, program leadership, operations).
• Methodical, thorough, and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Willingness to learn new skills and concepts.
• Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification.
• Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 61: Certification Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (ground test complete is the ONLY requirement).
• Previous experience or working knowledge of National Airspace and UAS operating guidelines and regulations.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to travel as required for planning and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux based operating systems, networking, ssh, and command line.
• 5+ years flight test engineering or system level testing experience.
• Knowledge and experience with Group 2/3 fixed wing systems
• Experience working DOD programs.