Role & seniority: UAV Test Pilot (mid-level) with ~3+ years of proven fixed-wing/multirotor UAV testing experience.

Stack/tools: PX4-based flight modes; flight test equipment (data acquisition, telemetry, flight control software); autopilot systems and sensor integration; instrumentation installation, calibration, and data validation.

Top 3 responsibilities

Conduct flight tests of fixed-wing and multirotor UAV prototypes; collect and analyze performance, stability, and handling data; provide feedback to design team.
Troubleshoot flight-test issues (flight control anomalies, sensor calibration, system integration) and implement solutions to ensure performance and safety.
Install/configure test instrumentation, validate data accuracy; document procedures, results, and recommendations; maintain flight-test records.

Must-have skills

3+ years UAV fixed-wing testing experience; substantial manual flight hours.
Proficiency with PX4 flight modes; strong knowledge of flight test principles, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
Experience with UAV autopilot systems, sensor integration, telemetry, and safety standards/regulations.
Excellent problem-solving, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with additional flight test software, scripting or data analysis tools; SITL exposure; prior customer-site testing.

Location & work type: Full-time, Bengaluru, India (KIADB Defence and Aerospace Park

Full Description

Role Objective

We are seeking a passionate and experienced UAV Test pilot to join our team. As a UAV Test pilot, you will play a critical role in testing, and deployment of our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a focus on fixed-wing and multirotor platforms. You will be responsible for conducting and analyzing flight tests to ensure the performance, stability, and safety of our UAV systems.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

Flight Testing: Conduct flight tests of UAV fixed wing/multirotor prototypes, collecting data on performance, stability, handling characteristics, and system functionality. Analyse test results to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to the design team.

Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution: Identify and troubleshoot issues that arise during flight testing, including flight control system anomalies, sensor calibration issues, and system integration problems. Develop and implement solutions to address these issues and ensure optimal system performance.

Test Instrumentation: Install and configure instrumentation systems on UAV platforms to capture relevant flight data, including airspeed, altitude, attitude, and control inputs. Validate and calibrate the instrumentation systems to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.

Documentation: Prepare comprehensive test reports documenting test procedures, results, and recommendations for further improvements. Maintain accurate and organized records of flight tests, including data logs, flight profiles, and system configurations.

Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines during flight tests. Identify and mitigate potential risks and hazards associated with flight testing activities.

Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers, to provide input and feedback during the design and development phases. Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

Qualifications

3+ years of proven experience in UAV fixed wing testing including troubleshooting.

Skills And Abilities

Considerable flight hours in manual flights. Proficient with PX4 based flight modes. Strong knowledge of flight test principles, methodologies, and instrumentation techniques. Proficiency in using flight test equipment, such as data acquisition systems, telemetry systems, and flight control software. Familiarity with UAV regulations and safety standards, Experience with UAV autopilot systems and sensor integration. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail and the ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets.