Test Pilot (Multirotor, Fixed-Wing)

About us:

We are an international defense startup, rapidly expanding to support the Ukrainian national needs. As a startup, we operate in a highly flexible environment where agility, adaptability, and a hands-on approach are critical for success.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Test Pilot (Multirotor & Fixed-Wing) with strong hands-on experience operating, assembling, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting UAV systems. This is a highly practical and field-oriented role for someone who understands not only how to fly a UAV, but how the system works. The ideal candidate is comfortable assembling and configuring UAV platforms, tuning flight-control systems, conducting both manual and autonomous flights, analyzing flight behavior, and troubleshooting technical issues in real-world conditions. You will work closely with Flight Testing, R&D, Product, and Data teams to test UAV performance, validate system changes, investigate issues, and ensure reliable operation across standard and edge-case scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Operate multirotor and fixed-wing UAVs in manual, assisted, and autonomous flight modes.
• Plan and execute test flights in different environments, weather conditions, and operational scenarios.
• Assemble, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair UAV platforms and their components.
• Configure and tune flight-control systems, autopilots, sensors, propulsion systems, and other onboard equipment.
• Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections and verify UAV readiness for safe operation.
• Support mission planning, including flight routes, altitude, speed, weather and wind considerations, operational limitations, and risk assessment.
• Analyze UAV behavior during flight and identify potential configuration, hardware, or operational issues.
• Troubleshoot UAV systems in field conditions and support root-cause investigation together with engineering teams.
• Test new hardware, software, firmware, configurations, and product changes during flight operations.
• Document test conditions, UAV configuration, flight results, anomalies, and technical observations.
• Provide structured feedback to R&D, Product, Flight Testing, and Data teams based on real-world flight performance.
• Promote safety standards, mission planning, and risk assessment practices.
• Travel within Ukraine for field testing and other operational activities as required.
• Be available for occasional overtime when required by testing or operational schedules.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with UAV systems, ideally including both operation and technical configuration.
• Practical experience operating multirotor and/or fixed-wing UAVs.
• Experience with manual and autonomous flight modes, including practical understanding of when and how they are used.
• Hands-on experience assembling, configuring, tuning, maintaining, and troubleshooting UAVs.
• Practical knowledge of UAV architecture and major components, including motors, ESCs, flight controllers, sensors, power systems, communication systems, and other onboard equipment.
• Experience with flight-control/autopilot platforms such as ArduPilot, INAV, Betaflight, or similar systems, with the ability to adapt to custom flight-control solutions.
• Understanding of fundamental aerodynamics and flight principles, particularly as they apply to fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs.
• Understanding of basic navigation concepts, including absolute vs. relative altitude, ground speed, heading, and the impact of wind on aircraft behavior and flight planning.
• Ability to evaluate weather and environmental conditions and understand their impact on UAV performance and flight safety.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and make practical decisions in field conditions.
• Valid driving licence and ability to drive independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Ukraine and occasionally work outside standard hours when operationally required.
• English proficiency sufficient for effective communication with native speakers

As a Plus

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or another relevant technical field.
• Understanding of the design and operating principles of electric propulsion systems and gas-turbine engines, including the key differences between them.
• Deeper knowledge of propulsion-system architecture and engine components.
• Soldering, wiring, electronics integration, and hardware-debugging skills.
• Experience analyzing flight logs and using telemetry or other diagnostic data.
• Experience participating in UAV development, R&D, flight testing, or product-validation activities.

We Offer:

• Full-time position & official employment
• Competitive salary (determined individually based on experience and interview results)
• Paid vacation and sick leave according to Ukrainian legislation
• Medical insurance & Life and accident insurance
• Reservation from mobilization
• Friendly and people-oriented team culture
• Have opportunities to work on an innovative and impactful products

Please note: If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, it means that we have decided not to move forward with your application at this time. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team and the time you invested in applying. Thank you for your understanding!