Flight Test Engineer - Mission Autonomy

Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 86,000-112,000 · 3+ years experience · Full-time · Remote · Posted Oct 14, 2026

At a glance

As a Mission Autonomy Flight Test 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.
The Test and Evaluation team ensures that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Drive the advancement of Anduril's testing methodologies, with a focus on mission autonomy systems, to ensure robust and reliable performance in complex operational scenarios.
Design and implement test plans that challenge and verify the capabilities of autonomous systems in a variety of simulated mission profiles.
Analyze data from tests to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement, iterating rapidly to refine autonomy algorithms and behaviors.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, hardware engineers, and product managers, to define test requirements and ensure alignment with system capabilities and mission objectives.
Drive end-to-end test management by shaping program requirements, designing comprehensive test plans, leading execution efforts, analyzing complex data, and delivering clear, concise reports to cross-functional and program teams.
Execute and analyze simulations that replicate real-world scenarios for autonomous systems to accelerate testing cycles, optimize system performance, and inform stakeholders on development and deployment implications.
Coordinate with private and government test ranges to test and evaluate systems and software

A Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a related technical field from an accredited institution, or equivalent experience in autonomous systems testing.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in flight testing, with a strong emphasis on autonomous or remotely piloted systems.
Demonstrated ability in developing and executing test plans for complex systems within aggressive timelines.
Familiarity with the principles of mission autonomy, unmanned systems, and the integration of multiple assets into cohesive operational frameworks.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret test data, diagnose system behaviors, and recommend actionable improvements.
Proven track record of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project milestones and deliverables.
Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively articulating technical challenges and solutions to a diverse audience.
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.
Subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.

Direct experience in the development, testing, and deployment of mission autonomy systems in a defense or aerospace context.
Hands-on experience with simulation environments and tools used for testing autonomous systems.
Familiarity with software development practices and experience with programming languages used in autonomy and robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS).
Knowledge of current industry and military standards related to unmanned aerial systems and their operation within national airspace.

Highly competitive equity grants included in the majority of full time offers
Top-tier benefits for full-time employees supporting health, recovery, and whatever comes next