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Flight Test Operator, Mission Autonomy

Anduril Industries San Clemente, California, United States

onsite

Salary: $40 - $60 / hour

Posted Feb 20, 2026
  • Role & seniority

    • Flight Test Operator, at a mid-level professional capacity within Anduril’s Test and Evaluation Division
  • Stack/tools

    • Fixed-wing, VTOL and jet aircraft; ground control software; autonomous aircraft programming and maintenance; flight controllers and autopilot logic

    • Embedded systems support; various test profiles and demonstrations; potential involvement with Lattice OS ecosystem

  • Top 3 responsibilities

    • Act as safety pilot during testing across multiple aircraft platforms

    • Operate ground control software and assist in flight execution and test profiles

    • Build, program, and maintain autonomous aircraft; assist test engineers and system integrators with related tasks

  • Must-have skills

    • RC/RPIC/Pilot-operator experience on commercial and/or defense Group 1–3 aircraft

    • FAA Part 107 certificate (or ability to obtain) and Part 61 ground school completion

    • Travel readiness (approx. 60%), strong communication, NAS knowledge, and ability to work autonomously

    • Small UAS maintenance experience; ability to work extended hours and in inclement weather

    • Eligibility to obtain/maintain U.S. security clearance

  • Nice-to-haves

    • Commercial pilot certification

    • Bachelors in aerospace, electrical, software, or mechanical engineering

    • Experience with developmental and operational test

  • Location & work type

    • Multiple test sites with travel required; expected ~60% travel; full-time role; US-based with security clearance elig

Full Description

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 Division is looking for a motivated and skilled Flight Test Operator to support and operate fixed wing, VTOL, and jet engine aircraft in support of a wide range of programs. Our team conduct operations in support of software development, system level development, and sub-component qualification.

A strong worth ethic is required for success in this role. You will not only fly aircraft during testing, you will participate in a wide range activities such as operating ground control software, administering embedded systems, and supporting integrations. Excellent communication skills are required as this role requires interaction wide range of personnel including Test Engineers, System Integrators, and Project Leads.

If you enjoy working in a fast paced and innovative environment, where your work directly impacts and makes a difference, this a fantastic opportunity for you.

WHAT YOU WILL DO Act as safety pilot during testing on a wide range of aircraft platforms. Operate ground control software during testing. Build, program, and maintain autonomous aircraft for flight. Work with Test Engineers on a variety of operational tasks that enable engineering, such as flight execution, material prep, or supporting test profiles by participating in our demonstrations. Assist System Integrators with tasks such as cabling prep, assembly installation, component configuration, and system validation. Travel between test sites depending on testing requirements and team needs. Travel to customer test events to support operations. Assist with equipment setup at test sites and during customer test events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS RC, RPIC, or Pilot-operator (PIC) experience on fixed wing commercial and/or defense Group 1 -3 aircraft. Ability to get and maintain a FAA part 107 certificate, and FAA Part 61 ground school completion (as required). Ability to travel on an as needed basis. Familiarity with flight controllers and autopilot logic. Significant knowledge and understanding of National Airspace regulations and operating restrictions. Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to own a variety of tasks in an autonomous environment. Able to work extended hours as required. Able to work in inclement weather. Strong customer service and organizational collaboration mentality. Small UAS maintenance experience. Willingness to travel approximately 60% of the time. Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Commercial pilot certification. Bachelors degree in aerospace, electrical, software, or mechanical engineering. Experience with developmental and operational test. US Hourly Range $40—$60 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/.

Safety PilotGround Control Software OperationAutonomous Aircraft BuildingAutonomous Aircraft ProgrammingAutonomous Aircraft MaintenanceFlight ExecutionMaterial PreparationTest Profile SupportCabling PreparationAssembly InstallationComponent ConfigurationSystem ValidationRC OperationRPIC OperationPilot-in-Command OperationFlight Controllersmulti-location

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