Drone Flight Test Engineer

Role Overview

To plan, execute, and evaluate flight testing of UAVs and associated air and ground systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety. The role involves UAV operations, system integration, troubleshooting, flight data analysis, and supporting engineering development.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Testing & Operations

• Plan and execute UAV flight tests, field trials, and customer demonstrations.
• Prepare test plans, schedules, risk assessments, and safety procedures.
• Perform pre-flight checks, system calibration, flight operations, and post-flight inspections.
• Monitor flight performance, stability, endurance, and payload functionality.

System Integration & Troubleshooting

• Support integration of airframes, avionics, propulsion systems, autopilots, and indigenous electronics.
• Configure flight controllers, RC transmitters/receivers, and Ground Control Station (GCS) software.
• Diagnose hardware/software issues and conduct root cause analysis of flight failures.

Flight Data Analysis & Documentation

• Retrieve, maintain, and analyse flight logs and telemetry data.
• Evaluate test results against mission requirements and recommend improvements.
• Prepare test reports and maintain technical documentation.

Engineering Support & Maintenance

• Assist in UAV assembly, prototyping, fabrication, structural modifications, and payload integration.
• Support calibration, PID tuning, firmware updates, and parameter configuration.
• Perform drone maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of testing equipment and tools.
• Work closely with mechanical and electronics teams during development and testing.

Required Skills & Technical Knowledge

• Hands-on knowledge of UAV/drone assembly, integration, and flight operations.
• Familiarity with ArduPilot, PX4, Betaflight, QGroundControl (QGC), and Mission Planner.
• Experience with RC transmitters, receivers, GCS setup, calibration, and mission planning.
• Understanding of flight controllers, avionics, motors, ESCs, propellers, and batteries.
• Knowledge of flight log analysis, firmware configuration, and manual/auto PID tuning.
• Basic understanding of UAV troubleshooting, safety protocols, and field testing.