Senior UAV Pilot / Flight Test Engineer

Location: Aldsworth, Gloucestershire

About UAVTEK

UAVTEK designs, manufactures and deploys advanced unmanned aerial systems for defence, security and commercial applications.

We are seeking a highly capable Senior UAV Pilot / Flight Test Engineer to lead the testing, evaluation and acceptance of our aircraft and support the continued development of our flight operations capability.

This is not a photography, surveying or cinematography drone role.

We are looking for someone with a strong technical background who is comfortable operating, configuring, troubleshooting and testing complex UAV systems. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable flying aircraft, analysing logs, configuring systems in Mission Planner, diagnosing faults and working directly with engineers to improve platform performance and reliability.

The role is ideally suited to someone with significant experience using ArduPilot-based systems and who enjoys solving technical problems in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Role Overview

As Senior UAV Pilot / Flight Test Engineer, you will take ownership of flight testing activities across UAVTEK's product range.

You will be responsible for validating aircraft performance, identifying and resolving technical issues, ensuring safe operation of flight test activities and supporting the successful delivery of systems to customers.

Working closely with engineering and production teams, you will provide critical feedback on aircraft performance, reliability and airworthiness while helping to improve testing procedures and operational standards across the business.

You will also act as a senior technical resource within the flight operations team, supporting customer demonstrations, training activities and mentoring junior personnel where required.

Key ResponsibilitiesFlight Testing & Operations

• Conduct pre-flight inspections, setup, configuration verification and airworthiness checks
• Plan and execute structured flight tests in accordance with test plans, safety procedures and operational requirements
• Operate UAV systems in manual, assisted and autonomous flight modes
• Evaluate aircraft handling, stability, navigation performance, communications links and payload operation
• Verify system performance against design requirements and acceptance criteria
• Make sound go/no-go decisions based on aircraft condition, environmental factors and operational risk
• Maintain safe and professional flight operations at all times

Technical Troubleshooting & Fault Diagnosis

• Identify, reproduce and diagnose hardware, software, integration and configuration issues
• Analyse DataFlash logs, telemetry data and flight performance data to determine root causes of faults
• Troubleshoot issues involving:
• Flight controllers
• GPS and navigation systems
• Telemetry links
• Radio control systems
• Power distribution systems
• Payload integrations
• Communications equipment
• Work closely with engineering and production teams to implement corrective actions
• Support ground testing, bench testing and system integration activities
• Validate fixes and confirm aircraft readiness for deployment

System Configuration & Verification

• Configure and maintain ArduPilot-based systems using Mission Planner and associated tools
• Manage firmware updates, parameter configuration and vehicle setup
• Verify vehicle configurations prior to testing and delivery
• Maintain configuration records and version control processes
• Support development and refinement of standard operating procedures and testing processes

Documentation & Reporting

• Produce accurate and detailed flight test reports
• Document faults, anomalies, corrective actions and lessons learned
• Maintain flight records, maintenance records and compliance documentation
• Contribute to risk assessments, operating procedures and safety management processes

Leadership & Customer Support

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior pilots and test personnel
• Support customer demonstrations, acceptance trials and training activities
• Represent UAVTEK professionally with customers, partners and stakeholders
• Promote a strong safety culture and high operational standards throughout the organisation

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience operating and troubleshooting professional UAV systems
• Strong working knowledge of ArduPilot and Mission Planner
• Experience analysing DataFlash logs, telemetry data and flight performance information
• High level of IT literacy and confidence using engineering and diagnostic software
• Experience configuring flight controllers, radios, telemetry systems and onboard peripherals
• Strong understanding of UAV system integration and subsystem interactions
• Ability to diagnose faults methodically and identify root causes
• Strong technical report writing and documentation skills
• Excellent problem-solving ability and attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and procedural compliance

Applicants should understand that this is a highly technical engineering-focused role. Experience limited to consumer drone platforms (such as DJI photography or surveying systems) without significant system configuration, troubleshooting or flight test experience is unlikely to be sufficient.Desirable Skills & Experience

• GVC or equivalent UAV qualification
• Experience in flight test, verification or test engineering environments
• Familiarity with:
• MAVLink
• QGroundControl
• MAVProxy
• CubePilot hardware
• ELRS systems
• RF communications systems
• Experience using:
• Multimeters
• Bench power supplies
• Oscilloscopes
• RF diagnostic equipment
• Linux familiarity
• Military, defence or government UAV experience
• Experience delivering customer training or demonstrations
• Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Calm, professional and safety-focused
• Highly organised and methodical
• Technically curious and enjoys solving complex problems
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership
• Reliable and dependable under pressure
• Willing to support colleagues and contribute across the business
• Respectful, approachable and collaborative
• Committed to maintaining high standards without cutting corners

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to travel within the UK and internationally when required
• Ability to safely lift and transport UAV equipment and support equipment
• Comfortable working at field test sites and operational locations

Education & QualificationsEssential

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English

Desirable

• Technical, engineering, aerospace, electronics or aviation qualification
• HNC, HND, Degree, Apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience

Security & Right to Work

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Employment will be subject to background checks and may require the ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance in accordance with company and customer requirements.

Equal Opportunities

UAVTEK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

Pay: £35,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Aldsworth GL54: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Please write a short introduction (3–6 sentences) explaining why you’re interested in this role and what makes you a good fit.
• Which best describes your UAV experience?

Professional UAV flying (workplace / commercial operations)

Defence/security UAV flying

Engineering / R&D UAV testing

Advanced hobby flying (self-built, tuning, troubleshooting)

Mainly filming / photography

Limited experience

• Do you hold any UAV qualifications?

GVC

A2 CofC

Flyer ID / Operator ID only

Military qualification

None

• Please describe your experience with Ardupilot and Mission Planner

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person