Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

About the Role

Teledyne FLIR - Orem designs and manufactures high-quality drones to carry advanced sensors into challenging environments. As an original equipment manufacturer of UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems), we lead in American engineering and manufacturing, focusing on superior UAS development through engineering excellence. This role involves drone developmental testing within a dynamic, innovative team working on cutting-edge military and defense technologies.

You will conduct test programs for both fielded and developmental military drones, collaborating with engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership. This is a systems-level test pilot position requiring deep technical knowledge of flight operations, test protocols, and airspace coordination—far beyond basic drone operation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early-stage development.
• Conduct pre-flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.
• Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi-autonomous missions, with rapid decision-making authority in-flight.
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans validating novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes.
• Translate pilot feedback into system updates, particularly for control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.
• Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback to avionics and autonomy teams.
• Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of Pixhawk-based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.
• Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS (Ground Control Station) operation using tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom interfaces.
• Configure and install components such as motors, props, ESCs, and batteries.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), or similar field—or equivalent engineering experience and mindset.
• FAA Part 107 qualification or equivalent pilot rating (preferred).
• Familiarity with computer programming and software development methods.
• 5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.
• 2+ years of experience supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, or commercial prototype environments).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee, or eligible to obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.
• Ability to commute daily to Orem, Utah for onsite work.

Deep familiarity with Pixhawk flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination is essential. The ideal candidate combines technical flight knowledge with hands-on engineering intuition.