Program Manager - FAA Compliance

Anduril · Core Operations : Test Sites : Test Sites

Pay: $146,000–$194,000/yr
Where: Costa Mesa, California, United States
Posted: Aug 31

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 is looking for a highly motivated Program Manager with emphasis in FAA, DoD, and other regulatory organizations focused on FAA compliance and airspace access.

What you'd do

Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs to ensure adherence to FAA regulations, including Part 21, Part 91, Part 107, Part 135, or other applicable rules.
Prepare and submit regulatory applications, including FAA Certificates of Authorization (COAs) — new, amended, and altitude/airspace expansions — 44807 exemptions, Part 107 waivers and authorizations, Certificates of Waiver, and type certification requests.
Own the intake, prioritization, and end-to-end tracking of airspace access requests from across the company, maintaining a single authoritative system of record from initial request through FAA decision and post-approval conditions.
Serve as a liaison with the FAA, Department of Defense (DoD), and other regulatory bodies to obtain necessary approvals for flight operations and experimental testing.
Coordinate the non-FAA approvals that also gate flight test — including radio frequency and spectrum authorizations — so that airspace and supporting authorizations arrive in step rather than sequentially.
Develop compliance strategies for new technologies, including autonomous systems, beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, and large UAS.
Build and maintain the team’s compliance reporting: track submission volume, approval and denial turnaround, cycle time, and aging of open requests; deliver a recurring readout to program and company leadership on regulatory throughput, bottlenecks, and risk.
Support test site and range activation — work with site leads and flight operations on airspace design, deconfliction, NOTAMs, operating limitations, and standing authorizations for recurring test activity.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FAA regulatory changes and provide guidance to internal stakeholders on compliance implications.
Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews to ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.

What they want

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in FAA regulatory compliance, certification, airworthiness or equivalent experience.
Strong knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks, including experience with COAs, 44807 exemptions, Part 91, Part 135, or Part 107 operations.
Experience engaging directly with FAA representatives and regulatory agencies.
Ability to instrument and report on your own process: define the metrics that show whether approvals are keeping pace with test demand, and present them to a leadership audience.
Familiarity with autonomous systems, UAS, and emerging aviation technologies.
Experience in defense-related aviation programs, including interactions with the DoD or other government agencies.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to real-world operations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting regulatory submissions and compliance documentation.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment, balancing regulatory requirements with operational objectives.