Drone Flight Test Engineer
The Drone Flight Test Engineer is responsible for the hands-on integration, ground testing, flight testing, troubleshooting, and technical validation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. This role supports the full flight test lifecycle including test planning, setup, calibration, execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring UAV platforms meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will have strong practical engineering skills, experience working with UAV hardware/software systems, and the ability to troubleshoot issues across electrical, mechanical, and flight control subsystems.

Key Responsibilities
Flight Test & Validation

• Conduct flight testing and ground testing of UAV platforms, subsystems, and payloads to validate performance against test requirements.
• Support the development and execution of flight test plans, test procedures, and safety checklists.
• Perform pre-flight inspections, flight readiness reviews, and post-flight debriefs.
• Assist in defining test objectives, success criteria, and acceptance requirements for UAV systems.

UAV Integration & Systems Setup

• Perform UAV hardware integration including sensors, cameras, payloads, communications modules, and power systems.
• Conduct equipment setup, system configuration, and test instrumentation installation.
• Configure and validate flight controller parameters, payload settings, and mission configurations.
• Perform calibration of sensors and components (e.g., IMU, compass, GPS, barometer, gimbals, payload sensors).

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

• Troubleshoot and resolve UAV issues
• Perform maintenance, repairs, replacement of components, and functional checks after repair.
• Support root cause investigation and corrective action implementation for flight anomalies and failures.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect flight test data including logs, telemetry, sensor outputs, and payload results.
• Perform basic analysis of flight logs (e.g., stability, navigation accuracy, performance metrics).
• Document test results, issues, corrective actions, and engineering recommendations in test reports.

SOP / Trial Support

• Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flight test operations.
• Provide trial support for field testing activities and customer demonstrations when required.
• Support supervisor and project team with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma in Electrical Engineering / Electronics Engineering / Mechatronics / Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).
• 0 to 2+ years of hands-on experience with drones/UAV systems (flight testing, integration, maintenance, or engineering support).
• Ability to interpret technical diagrams, wiring schematics, manuals, and engineering drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in hardware/software environments.
• Comfortable working in outdoor field environments and test ranges.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours depending on test schedules.
• Experience with PX4 and Ardupilot