Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Company: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc
Location: Costa Mesa
Posted on: January 24, 2025

Job Description:

Staff Flight Test Instrumentation EngineerAnduril 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.The Flight Test and Evaluation Team at Anduril performs validation of Group 5 UAS. We work in close coordination with specialist teams like, Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Flight Sciences, Mission Systems, and Aircraft Maintenance to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for instrumentation engineers and Group 5 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) developers excited about implementing a powerful instrumentation, telemetry, and data management system for flight test of Group 5 UAS.As a Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) Engineer at Anduril, you will dive into unique, complex challenges that come with the territory of high-stakes, advanced technology in the defense sector. Your expertise will drive innovation in autonomous systems, shaping the future of defense and intelligence with solutions that are deployed at unparalleled speed. If you're eager to leverage your instrumentation and RF telemetry skills in an environment that encourages bold ideas and offers the resources to turn them into reality, Anduril provides the perfect platform to propel your career and make a tangible difference in a world entering a new era of strategic competition. Join us and be part of the transformation that's setting new standards for military capabilities and security.WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conduct requirements decomposition using a wide array of digital tools to select and install only the necessary flight test instrumentation, and effectively communicate analytical insights to stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with UAS discipline engineers, the Customer, Airworthiness subject matter experts, and program managers to inform safety of test, safety of flight, strategic decisions, and positively impact 'speed-to-ramp'.
• Spearhead technical investigations to diagnose instrumentation and RF telemetry issues, providing leadership in the interpretation of data and formulation of solutions to improve system reliability and efficiency.
• Design and implement analytics-driven customer-facing products that showcase system performance metrics, provide trend analysis, and enhance user understanding and experience with our Group 5 UAS platforms.
• Design, fabricate and install flight test instrumentation sensors, data paths and equipment into one of a kind experimental aircraft, often utilizing novel approaches. This includes the fabrication of wire harnesses and routing through aircraft structure, often working directly with other integrated product teams to support program goals.
• Perform test instrument calibrations and pre-flight checks in conjunction with discipline and manufacturing engineers as an approving signatory for GO/NO-GO flight test decisions.
• Operate and maintain a telemetry auto-tracking Ground System using COTS software and hardware.
• Travel from Anduril HQ to establish FTI and RF telemetry solutions in the high desert of California, Nevada, Texas, and Oregon up to 50% of the time.CORE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, Radar Systems, Data Science experience, with a strong quantitative and mechanical measurements foundation.
  • 5+ years notable experience with embedded data acquisition systems in manned or unmanned aircraft.
  • Exceptional data visualization skills, with proficiency in using analytical tools (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW, Simulink) to advise the translation of complex data into accessible visual formats for diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated expertise in implementing high channel count (e.g. 100-400 measurands) mechanical measurement systems and architecting RF telemetry for near real-time display in a control room.
  • A proven track record of implementing and troubleshooting grounding, bonding, and shielding solutions for analog-to-digital instrumentation signals in multi-band RF environments.
  • Experience with composite and exotic material installations across varying flight test environments.
  • A strong commitment to applying data science to solve real-world problems, with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations that have a tangible impact.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, program managers, and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
  • Ability to immediately obtain a U.S. Top Secret-Level security clearance.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
    • Master of Science or B.S. plus 10 years experience with flight test instrumentation on Group 5 UAS and high-gain, Aeronautical Telemetry Auto-tracking Ground System using COTS software and hardware.
    • 5+ years experience setting up and administering high channel-count, RF telemetry systems with the Interactive Analysis and Display System (IADS).
    • Knowledge of best practices for implementing RF ground planes and architecting RF telemetry systems for maximum RF range on composite aircraft systems.
    • Leadership experience, with the ability to mentor less experienced discipline engineers and lead project teams in the execution of complex data acquisition initiatives.
    • Experience working with 'Data-at-rest' multi-domain, encrypted storage devices on aircraft.US Salary Range$142,000 - $185,000 USDThe 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:
      • Platinum Healthcare Benefits: For U.S. roles, we offer top tier platinum coverage (medical, dental, vision) that are 100% covered by Anduril for you and 90% covered for your dependents.
      • Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Anduril, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
      • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
      • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
      • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
      • Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
      • A professional development stipend is available to all Andurilians.
      • Daily Meals and Provisions: For many of our offices this means breakfast, lunch and fully stocked micro-kitchens.
      • Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
      • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
      • 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). (US roles only)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.Anduril is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Anduril team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!
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Keywords: Tbwa Chiat/Day Inc, Los Angeles , Staff Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, Engineering , Costa Mesa, California