Director, Program Test & Evaluation - Advanced Effects
Anduril Industries
| Company | Anduril Industries |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Costa Mesa |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Director |
| Salary | USD 220k–292k |
| Posted | 11 Aug 2026 |
| Last verified | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Source | The employer's own careers page (company_site) |
Description
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company building advanced military systems powered by Lattice OS. This role leads the Test & Evaluation Engineering team across unmanned and weapon systems, responsible for developmental testing, production acceptance testing, and system-level qualification.
What You'll Do
• Lead a diverse team of test engineers and maintenance personnel across multiple UAS and weapon systems
• Develop and execute T&E strategies for integration, planning, execution, and operations to solve complex technical problems
• Manage flight test engineers and control room personnel, directing test event planning, preparation, execution, and reporting
• Oversee system and subsystem level test and integration efforts, tracking progress and coordinating across departments
• Plan, execute, and report on lab, ground, and flight tests; oversee data collection and initial analysis
• Work with FAA and military certifying agencies to establish test range COAs and conduct testing at government and private ranges
• Interface with program leadership, manage resource constraints, and support proposal and capture activities
What You Need
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience
• 12+ years as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft and payload integration, OR 10+ years as lead test conductor/test director for developmental weapon or missile systems on manned/unmanned aircraft
• Complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory with broad knowledge of related technical specialties
• Experience with surrogate booster motor integration and vehicle, payload, and ground safety equipment requirements
• Working knowledge of military standards (MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653)
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with ground or ship-based launch systems, suspension, arming, and release equipment
• Experience working with DoD, including DCMA INST 8210, MIL-STD-516, and service-related T&E guiding documents; foundational expertise in National Airspace System and UAS operating rules
• Experience with system engineering and DoD program processes (EVM, MIL-STD-881)
• Strong leadership skills with previous experience leading teams and managing individuals
• Ability to travel as required and work extended hours
• Must be able to obtain and maintain active U.S. security clearance
Nice to Have
• Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• 15+ years as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft payload integration, or 10+ years as lead test conductor/test director for developmental weapon or missile systems
• Experience being part of first flight of developmental aircraft, weapon, or rocket system
• Prior experience in ground and/or air launch weapon systems
• Prior experience in supersonic/hypersonic vehicle design and propulsion system flight testing
• Prior experience with solid or liquid rocket propellant engine/booster testing
• Prior experience with software code/script building using Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript and Linux-based systems with command line
• Expertise in developing Flight Safety Systems (FSS) compliant with MRTFB, RCC, and FAA standards
• Knowledge of Flight Termination System (FTS) integration with range support and monitoring equipment
• Working knowledge with COTS Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks and multiple different propulsion systems
• Prior experience in Combined Test Force or equivalent
$220,000–$292,000 USD base salary; highly competitive equity grants included in majority of full-time offers; comprehensive, competitive benefits package for full-time employees including health and recovery support