Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer - Mission Autonomy

The Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer at Anduril Industries is tasked with advancing testing methodologies for mission autonomy systems. This includes designing and implementing test plans, analyzing data to validate system performance, and working collaboratively with diverse teams to define test requirements and deliver concise reports on findings.

Candidates for the Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer position at Anduril Industries should possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in flight testing, particularly in autonomous systems. Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to work within multidisciplinary teams are also essential.

The salary range for a Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer at Anduril Industries is between $142,000 and $220,000 USD. This figure reflects diverse compensation factors including work experience, education, and critical skills, along with equity and benefits as part of the total compensation package.

Anduril Industries offers top-tier benefits for employees in the Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer role, including comprehensive healthcare plans, generous PTO, mental health resources, and a professional development stipend. These initiatives aim to support and enhance employee well-being alongside their professional growth.

The testing process for the Staff/Principal Test & Evaluation Engineer at Anduril Industries involves executing and analyzing simulations that replicate real-world scenarios for autonomous systems. This allows for accelerated testing cycles that optimize system performance, helping to identify actionable improvements in the autonomy algorithms developed for our military systems.

When creating test plans for autonomous systems, I focus on clearly defining the objectives and scenarios that the system might encounter. I emphasize collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure we cover all capabilities, and use past data to identify areas that require thorough testing. The plan should be adaptable to incorporate findings throughout the testing process.

In previous roles, I have led flight testing initiatives where I developed test plans focusing on system reliability and performance. This included hands-on experience in both simulated environments and real-world conditions, allowing me to refine algorithms and ensure systems could operate effectively in various scenarios.

One challenging test scenario I designed involved simulating complex operational environments where the autonomous system had to respond to real-time data inputs. Issues arose due to unexpected system behaviors, but I addressed this by analyzing the data thoroughly, revising the test parameters, and collaborating with software engineers to improve algorithm resilience.

I am proficient with several simulation environments and testing tools such as MATLAB, ROS, and specific flight simulation software, which have been instrumental in developing and testing autonomous systems. Familiarity with programming languages like Python and C++ has also helped me refine testing processes efficiently.

Effective communication within multidisciplinary teams relies on establishing clear expectations and fostering an open dialogue culture. I facilitate regular meetings to discuss test progress, challenge findings, and iterate on plans. Additionally, I ensure that complex technical concepts are presented in accessible terms tailored to the audience's expertise.

When interpreting test data, I focus on identifying trends and anomalies that could indicate system performance issues or areas for improvement. I also consider the context of the test, comparing results against predefined success criteria, and collaborating with the team to discuss the implications before making recommendations.

I have worked closely with regulatory standards in various flight testing contexts, ensuring compliance with both military and civilian guidelines. Understanding these frameworks has helped me develop test plans that not only meet performance requirements but also align with safety and operational standards for unmanned aerial systems.

Prioritizing test scenarios during development involves aligning test objectives with system critical functionalities. I assess potential risks, system reliability, and expected usage conditions to categorize scenarios. This prioritization ensures that we focus on the most impactful tests first, responding to immediate operational needs.

My motivation to work in the defense technology sector stems from a desire to contribute to solutions that protect and empower military capabilities. Knowing that my work in testing and refinement can lead to advancements in mission autonomy that have real-world impacts excites and drives me.

Handling unsuccessful test results requires a constructive approach. I analyze the data to understand the failure points, involve cross-functional teams in troubleshooting, and adapt strategies based on findings. This iterative process ensures continuous improvement and helps refine our systems for future testing.