Flight Test Operator

As a Flight Test Operator at Anduril Industries, you will be at the forefront of operating Anduril's 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, preparing, and executing UAS missions, including those within challenging VLOS and BVLOS scenarios, ensuring full compliance with mission objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as Safety Pilot, conducting manual flight operations with fixed wing and FW VTOL UAS in challenging and complex multi-UAS operations.
• Conducting pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and diagnostics on UAS platforms and associated ground control systems.
• Operating and troubleshooting 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.
• Developing and implementing 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.
• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive flight logs, technical records, incident reports, and other required documentation in accordance with regulatory and company procedures.
• Collaborating 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.
• Ensuring strict adherence to all FAA regulations for UAS operations, particularly within the FAA Part 107 framework.
• Providing technical support and potentially undertaking basic field maintenance or fault rectification on UAS platforms, ensuring operational readiness.
• Actively contributing to the development of safe systems of work for UAS operations, promoting a robust safety culture and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Mentoring and potentially training less experienced operators, fostering a high standard of operational excellence and safety awareness.

Required qualifications include:

• 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 driver's license.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred qualifications include:

• 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.