Flight Test Operator

The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril develops operationally relevant multi-asset autonomy. We are focused on building the next generation of autonomous capabilities by leveraging existing Anduril platforms like Ghost or Altius bringing 3rd party platforms into Andurils Lattice ecosystem and developing breakthrough systems that will shape the future of the battlefield. 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.

As a Flight Test Operator you will be at the forefront of operating Anduril advanced fleet of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). This critical role demands not only exceptional piloting skills but also a deep technical understanding and a meticulous approach to regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for planning executing and certifying complex UAS missions primarily within the Specific Category and will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Operating in an extremely innovative and fast-paced environment your expertise in flight operations technical systems and risk management will directly impact the development and deployment of cutting-edge defense technology.

WHAT YOULL DO

• Plan prepare and execute UAS missions including those within challenging VLOS and BVLOS scenarios ensuring full compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Act as Safety Pilot conducting manual flight operations with fixed wing and FW VTOL UAS in challenging and complex multi-UAS operations.
• Conduct pre-flight in-flight and post-flight checks and diagnostics on UAS platforms and associated ground control systems.
• Operate and troubleshoot various UAS systems demonstrating advanced proficiency with Pixhawk and Cube Orange Flight Controllers including configuration firmware and parameter management and mission planning using relevant ground control station software.
• Develop and implement mission-specific risk assessments meticulously applying Department of Defense Standard Practice System Safety (MIL-STD-882E) principles to ensure the safe and compliant execution of operations.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive flight logs technical records incident reports and other required documentation in accordance with regulatory and company procedures.
• Collaborate closely with engineering flight test and project teams to provide feedback on UAS performance identify areas for improvement and integrate new technologies and operational procedures.
• Ensure strict adherence to all FAA regulations for UAS operations particularly within the FAA Part 107 framework.
• Provide technical support and potentially undertake basic field maintenance or fault rectification on UAS platforms ensuring operational readiness.
• Actively contribute to the development of safe systems of work for UAS operations promoting a robust safety culture and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and potentially train less experienced operators fostering a high standard of operational excellence and safety awareness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a valid Part 61 and Part 107 pilot license.
• Significant experience of manual UAS or RC aircraft operations on FW and FW VTOL airframes.
• Demonstrable and significant experience in planning and executing UAS operations.
• Thorough understanding and practical application of FAA Part 107 operations including the development of Operational Safety Cases and the process for obtaining operational authorizations.
• Expert-level technical proficiency with Pixhawk and Cube Orange Flight Controllers including hands-on experience in their integration setup configuration advanced troubleshooting and operation.
• An understanding of aviation paperwork and a meticulous approach to documentation and record-keeping.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills capable of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and travel extensively to support field operations (potentially greater than 50% of the time).
• Valid drivers license.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Instrument and Commercial Rating.
• 5 years of developmental test experience.
• 5 years RC flying experience.
• Experience with Fixed Wing VTOL UAS Operations and with multiple-air vehicle operations.
• 5 years experience as Manual Safety Pilot for FW/MR UAS.
• Strong understanding of rotary and fixed wing UAS aerodynamics flight dynamics and system architectures.
• Experience with other UAS flight controllers ground control stations or payloads (e.g. LiDAR advanced EO/IR sensors).
• Background in aviation maintenance electronics or robotics.
• Experience operating UAS in challenging environments (e.g. maritime mountainous urban).
• Technical qualification (e.g. HNC/HND apprenticeship) in electronics avionics mechanical engineering or a related field.

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 Andurils 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.

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