Flight Test Operator Manager, Launched Effects

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.

This position will be filled by a highly motivated Flight Test Operator Manager with a passion for developmental flight test of UAS and revolutionary products contributing valued aviation and mechanical expertise in all fields of aircraft flight and ground maintenance. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments to help build a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. The role will be responsible for managing a team of Flight Test Operators supporting Launched Effects aircraft mechanical assessment, maintenance coordination, flight execution, and reporting on all facets of aircraft readiness to the test program.

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril works across the entire spectrum of products and business lines, as well as all flight operations and test range management. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, sub-component qualification testing and much more. In short, if it involves test, we support it. 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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Execute pre-flight and post-flight checks and services, ensuring readiness for operations.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain aircraft and subsystems including landing gear, fuel system, flight control, and propulsion.
• Coordinate with logistics teams to manage parts inventory and ensure availability of necessary maintenance supplies.
• Complete aircraft and equipment documentation,
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain site support equipment.
• Prioritize maintenance tasks in accordance with departmental needs.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to Flight Test Operators, technicians and mechanics.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize flight and maintenance procedures and workflows.
• Practice proper Tool Control, FOD, HAZMAT, Training, Quality, and Security programs.
• Coordinate training, scheduling, and deployments for Flight Test Operators

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years or more hands-on professional experience working with UAV’s or equivalent military experience as a UAV. operator, maintenance technician, or Crew Chief.
• 3-5 years of previous people manager experience.
• Understand and comply with FAA regulations and other relevant aviation authorities' guidelines.
• Experience in planning and executing UAS missions.
• Knowledge of risk management and safety protocols in UAS operations.
• Willingness to travel up to 70%.
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated understanding of flight operations, aircraft systems, and sensors.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems in unstructured situations at the interface of hardware, software, and operations in pursuit of mission success.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams and external customers; demonstrated ability to collect differing opinions and reconcile them in order to achieve agreement on what ‘right’ looks like.
• Strong computer and documentation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to train peers or customers on the operation of a product.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to work well with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Part 107 certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, UAS operations or related discipline.

• Hands-on professional experience working with developmental weapon or missile systems on manned and/or unmanned aircraft.

• Experience with:

• Aircraft or launch vehicle flight line operations.

• Munitions storage and handling controls.

• Part 61 certification.

• A&P license.

• Developmental test experience.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple UAS projects simultaneously.

• Experience in budgeting and resource allocation.

• Proficient with computer use (standard browser, word processing applications).

• Experience reading engineering drawings, blueprints and interpret/translate instructions to specific maintenance mechanics/technicians.

• Experience with aircraft subsystems and components, preferably with Group 3 UAS or similar large aircraft.

US Salary Range

$125,000—$150,000 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. 

Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams

Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.

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• No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.

• Please always verify communications:

  • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
  • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.

   

• Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.

• What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

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