UAV Field Test Pilot

About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Field Test Pilot to join our Flight Operations team. In this role, you will be responsible for executing flight operations across product validation, customer demonstrations, field trials, Technical Evaluation Committees (TECs), and operational deployments. You will work closely with engineering, product, and defence stakeholders to validate the performance, reliability, and mission readiness of our UAV platforms in diverse operational environments.

This role demands extensive travel, technical expertise, operational discipline, and the ability to perform under dynamic field conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-flight planning, system inspections, and mission briefings.
• Execute safe and efficient flight operations during field testing, customer demonstrations, trials, and TEC evaluations.
• Operate multiple UAV platforms across different payloads and mission profiles.
• Perform flight testing to validate system performance, endurance, navigation, payload integration, and mission objectives.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues in the field alongside engineering teams.
• Record, analyze, and document flight data, anomalies, observations, and test outcomes.
• Coordinate with Product, R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams for issue resolution and product improvements.
• Represent the company during customer demonstrations, defence evaluations, and acceptance trials.
• Ensure compliance with DGCA regulations, internal SOPs, and operational safety standards.
• Support environmental, altitude, endurance, payload, and stress testing across varying terrains and weather conditions.
• Maintain flight logs, maintenance records, and operational documentation.
• Assist in preparing UAV systems, GCS, batteries, payloads, and accessories before deployment.
• Train customers and internal teams on drone operations whenever required.
• Travel extensively across India to support testing, deployments, and customer engagements.

Must Have

• Bachelor's Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Aviation, Electronics, Mechanical, Aerospace, Robotics, or a related discipline.
• 2–5 years of experience operating UAVs or drones in field environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with multirotor UAV systems.
• Experience conducting field trials, product demonstrations, or operational deployments.
• Strong understanding of flight planning, mission execution, telemetry, and UAV safety protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, communication, and flight control issues.
• Comfortable working in remote locations and challenging environmental conditions.
• Willingness to travel extensively (60–80% travel).
• Strong analytical and documentation skills.
• Good communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Physically fit to operate in outdoor environments and carry field equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice to Have

• DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC).
• Experience working with defence, military, paramilitary, or government agencies.
• Experience flying Fixed-Wing, VTOL, FPV, or Hybrid UAV platforms.
• Familiarity with ArduPilot, PX4, QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Software.
• Experience operating EO/IR payloads, LiDAR, Mapping, ISR, or surveillance systems.
• Knowledge of MAVLink protocol and UAV communication systems.
• Basic understanding of electronics, RF systems, telemetry, GNSS, and embedded systems.
• Experience conducting high-altitude or extreme-weather flight operations.
• Familiarity with defence procurement processes, TECs, User Trials, or Acceptance Testing.
• Basic scripting or data analysis skills for flight log analysis.
• Experience with endurance testing, payload integration, and autonomous mission planning.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge indigenous defence UAV technologies.
• Exposure to defence customers, operational deployments, and advanced flight testing.
• Fast-paced environment with significant ownership and responsibility.
• Career growth alongside a rapidly expanding defence technology company.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to products deployed for national security applications.