Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer, Mission Autonomy

Costa Mesa, California, United States

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.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril is integral to our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team specializes in a broad spectrum of testing activities, including developmental testing using surrogate vehicles. We are at the forefront of testing approaches, particularly in the domain of mission autonomy systems. As we expand, we're seeking a methodical engineer who is prepared to tackle the challenges of mission autonomy testing and contribute to the iterative development and refinement of our autonomous systems.

As a Mission Autonomy Test & Evaluation Engineer at Anduril Industries, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of defense technology. Your focus on autonomy will empower users to execute multifaceted missions with precision and efficiency. Join us in our mission to transform military capabilities with your expertise in testing and autonomy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Lead and participate in large scale developmental and operational testing of mission autonomy capabilities, utilizing surrogate vehicles in a fast-paced test environment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers, to integrate test requirements with system capabilities and mission objectives.
  • Collaborate with government entities and private companies to ensure all test objectives are meticulously planned and executed during government test events.
  • Act as the Test Director, overseeing critical test milestones and leading the execution of testing activities, guaranteeing that each event runs smoothly and objectives are met.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA, FCC, and other regulatory body requirements, maintaining adherence to strict standards throughout testing procedures.
  • Provide critical feedback and insight into the test & evaluation process, shaping the evolution of Anduril's mission autonomy technology.
  • Oversee direct test engineers for the Mission Autonomy project initiatives, aligning test strategies and plans with program objectives
  • Oversee test planning, execution, and analysis of test results to stakeholders, ensuring cross-team collaboration to drive continuous improvement

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in test coordination and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Minimum of 8+ years of leadership experience in testing high-stakes or mission-critical autonomous systems, including remotely operated platforms.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in leading complex test events as a test director.
  • Familiarity with FAA, FCC, and other relevant regulations, with a track record of ensuring compliance in test operations.
  • Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, capable of managing multiple test events concurrently and synthesizing test data into actionable insights.
  • Proven experience in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, influencing project direction and achieving critical milestones.
  • Outstanding communication abilities, adept at conveying intricate test plans and outcomes to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and willingness to travel to test sites as needed.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced degree in a relevant technical or management field.
  • Direct experience in leading test events for mission autonomy systems within defense or aerospace sectors.
  • Experience with simulation and modeling tools for autonomous systems testing
  • Familiarity with machine learning and AI algorithms used in autonomous decision-making
  • Experience with test automation frameworks for complex system integration testing
  • Acquaintance with industry and military standards related to unmanned systems and national airspace operations.

US Salary Range

$170,000 - $210,000 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: 

Healthcare Benefits 

  • US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you. 
  • UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents. 
  • IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents. 

Additional Benefits 

  • Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees. 
  • Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs. 
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting. 
  • Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available. 
  • Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development 
  • Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region. 
  • Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility. 

Retirement Savings Plan 

  • US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options. 
  • UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match. 
  • AUS Roles: Superannuation plan. 

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. 

To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/. 

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