Hypersonic Test Director at Anduril - Costa Mesa, California, United States

Hypersonic Test Director — Anduril, Costa Mesa, California 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. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Flight Test Engineer with a focus on developmental testing of a full range of Sub-sonic to Hypersonic systems. You will collaborate closely with program leadership and various departments to lead a team dedicated to solving tough problems and revolutionizing the industry. This role involves planning, coordinating, executing, and reporting on all aspects of the test program. The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril works across the entire spectrum of products and business lines, as well as all flight operations and test range management. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, sub-component qualification testing and much more. In short, if it involves test, we support it. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Collaborate with program management on rocket-launched (subsonic and supersonic) systems proposals, strategies, and test and evaluation solutions to meet program objectives. Work with program management, test leads, and engineering department leads to develop requirements, communicate test schedules and progress, establish test gates and milestones, and discuss test results. Lead a team to plan and execute full system-level T&E of hardware and software, focusing on resource planning, ground and flight testing, issue investigation, and process improvement. Serve as the lead test engineer for R&D rocket-launched systems, including development, certification, and integration testing of subsystems. Engage with civil and government certifying agencies to obtain necessary operational authorizations. Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges. Support start up of new test facilities for supersonic testing. Support initial design, build, and integration phases hands-on. Plan, execute, and report on lab, ground, and flight tests. Oversee test data collection and perform initial data analysis. Ensure safe operations in accordance with established procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education. 10+ years of experience as program lead or test director for rocket-launched systems or developmental weapon systems, including requirements development, initial prototype builds, test planning, execution, and reporting. Extensive experience in SRM flight testing, guided SRM missile development, stage separation systems design and testing, and MRTFB operations and procedures. Expertise in developing Flight Safety Systems (FSS) compliant with MRTFB, RCC, and FAA standards. Experience as an MRTFB Range User, including adherence to local range safety requirements, analysis, simulation studies, and documentation submission. Knowledge of Flight Termination System (FTS) integration with range support and monitoring equipment. Experience with surrogate booster motor integration, preferably in hypersonic programs. Strong understanding of vehicle, payload, and ground safety equipment requirements. Familiarity with adjacent missile technology programs and funding opportunities. Experience with system engineering or DoD program processes (EVM, MIL-STD-881, etc.). Working knowledge of military standards (MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.). Experience integrating and conducting tests with ground or ship-based launch systems, and with suspension, arming, and release equipment. Familiarity with military missile system airworthiness certification standards and processes (ADS-45-HDBK, Seek Eagle, NNMSB, etc.). Ability to manage complex test schedules and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. Strong computer and documentation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Willingness to travel for test planning and execution and work extended hours as needed. Proactive problem-solving attitude.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. Knowledge of High-Power Rocketry standards (14 CFR part 101, NFPA 1127). High power rocketry certifications 1, 2 or 3 Prior experience in Supersonic / Hypersonic Vehicle design and flight testing Prior experience in solid or liquid rocket propellent engine/booster testing Prior experience using a flight simulation to support flight safety analysis including debris pattern propagation, instantaneous impact point (IIP) Familiarization with Flight simulation and live telemetry visualization tools such as SIMDIS Prior experience with Linux based systems and command line. Working Knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software. Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof. Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology. Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks. Experience with multiple different propulsion systems to include air and non-air breathing US Salary Range $170,000—$225,000 USD The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril’s total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents. Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans. 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition. Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting. Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well. A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians. Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens. Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region. Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility). 401(k) retirement savings plan – both a traditional and Roth 401(k). US roles only The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you! #J-18808-Ljbffr Victrays