Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

About the role

We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a part-time contract role, up to 15 hours per week, with the potential to transition to full-time as flight cadence increases.

Responsibilities

• Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
• Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
• Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design operational procedures for safe takeoff, flight, and landing.
• Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
• Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.

Qualifications

• You’ll stand out if you have experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
• A background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
• Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
• An engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

Skills

• Manual flying skills for high-performance fixed-wing UAVs.
• Remote Pilot Certification with recent, active experience.
• Safe and efficient flight operations leadership.
• Ability to identify and secure suitable test locations.
• Development of flight plans and safety processes.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate
Part-time contract, up to 15 hours per week, with potential to convert to full-time

Pay

Competitive hourly rate

Schedule

Part-time contract, up to 15 hours per week, with potential to convert to full-time

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer