Flight Test Engineer (UAV Test Pilot)

About the Role

• Core Focus: Conducting flight tests, tuning UAV systems, and validating in-flight performance.
• Key Collaboration: Analyzing flight data and providing direct feedback to R&D and engineering teams.

Join the leader in Ukrainian unmanned aviation!

SPE “Athlon Avia”, a full-cycle Ukrainian research and production enterprise developing advanced UAV technologies, is seeking a skilled Flight Test Engineer (UAV Test Pilot) to join our flight operations team.

Core Responsibilities

• Autopilot Tuning & Calibration: Set up, calibrate, and optimize ArduPilot autopilot parameters.
• Payload & Sensor Integration: Integrate onboard sensors, navigation systems, specialized payloads, and telemetry modules.
• Ground Equipment Verification: Check and test antenna tracking systems and ground telemetry equipment.
• Flight Testing: Conduct factory, quality control, and proving-ground flight tests for fixed-wing UAVs and other platforms.
• UAV Piloting: Operate unmanned aircraft in both manual and fully automated modes.
• Flight Analysis & Anomaly Detection: Monitor in-flight aircraft behavior and identify operational anomalies.
• Log File Processing: Process and analyze post-flight LOG files to evaluate performance.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed flight test reports (acts, maps, photos, and technical commentaries).
• Engineering Feedback Loop: Provide actionable feedback to hardware and software developers for system enhancements.

Candidate Qualifications & Experience

Key Skills & Technical Requirements:

• Piloting Expertise: Practical experience piloting fixed-wing UAVs across various modes, including full manual mode.
• Emergency Decision-Making: Proven ability to make quick, critical decisions during emergencies (e.g., loss of telemetry or video feed).
• ArduPilot & Software: Hands-on experience with ArduPilot-based systems for fixed-wing UAVs and proficiency in Mission Planner.
• PID Tuning: Practical skills in tuning PID loops.
• Sensors & Avionics Integration: Practical experience integrating and configuring GPS/GNSS, IMUs, electronic compasses, LiDARs, and other sensors.
• RF & EW Understanding: Deep understanding of RF communications (telemetry and video links) and the impact of Electronic Warfare (EW) on communication channels.
• Launch Systems: Hands-on experience operating bungee and catapult launch systems.
• Lab Preparation & Bench Testing: Ability to inspect, prepare, and bench-test UAVs prior to field trials.
• Hardware & Soldering Skills: Basic soldering skills and proficiency using digital multimeters.
• Technical Literacy: Computer literacy with basic skills in configuring PCs, modems, and ground control stations.
• Aerodynamics: Knowledge of aerodynamic principles and basic environmental factors affecting flight performance.

What We Offer

• Formal Employment & Full Social Package: Official employment from Day 1 in compliance with Ukrainian labor laws, including paid annual leave, sick leave, and full social security contributions.
• Competitive Compensation: Transparent salary review framework aligned with market benchmarks.
• Career Growth & Mobility: Clear pathways for both horizontal and vertical career development within the company.
• Cutting-Edge Tech Environment: Work alongside industry experts in a dynamic, high-tech defense sector.
• 100% Covered Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance prioritizing employee physical and mental well-being.
• 100% Covered English Classes: Corporate language courses to maintain or upgrade your English proficiency.
• Military Reservation (Deferment): Official deferment processing initiated starting from your first day of employment.
• Comfortable Work Environment: On-site working environment with an equipped bomb shelter, located within easy walking distance from a subway station.