Flight Test Planning & Coordination:

Develop and manage detailed flight test plans for unmanned systems, including operational requirements, safety protocols, and technical objectives.

Coordinate and schedule test flights, managing flight crews, test pilots, and operational teams to ensure timely and safe execution.

Oversee test readiness reviews, ensuring all systems and operations are fully integrated and meet safety and regulatory requirements.

Unmanned System Integration & Operations:

Ensure that unmanned systems are properly integrated with all operational equipment, software, and ground support systems.

Support the integration of new technologies and system upgrades into operational flight test programs.

Monitor and assess the real-time performance of UAS during test operations, ensuring that systems perform as intended.

Flight Test Execution:

Lead the execution of unmanned system test flights, ensuring proper coordination of test procedures, flight operations, and real-time data collection.

Supervise UAS flight operations, including mission planning, flight execution, and post-flight analysis.

Troubleshoot operational issues that arise during flight tests and ensure that corrective actions are implemented.

Data Collection & Analysis:

Work closely with the flight test team to collect and analyze flight data, including system performance, flight behavior, and mission success criteria.

Document test results, deviations, and any issues encountered during operations, generating comprehensive reports.

Provide insights and recommendations based on test data to optimize system performance and integration.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations, operational guidelines, and unmanned system-specific standards (e.g., FAA Part 107, military/UAS regulations).

Monitor and mitigate risks during UAS operations, implementing safety measures to prevent incidents or accidents.

Maintain accurate records of all test operations, including test plans, flight logs, and safety assessments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with R&D, systems engineering, and product development teams to integrate flight test requirements into the broader system development lifecycle.

Participate in mission debriefs and review sessions, providing technical input on system performance and suggesting improvements.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in flight test operations, unmanned aerial systems, or aerospace integration.

Experience with UAS flight operations, testing, or integration is highly desirable.

Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), their components, and flight operations.

Familiarity with UAS control systems, flight management software, and data collection tools.

Proficiency in flight planning and mission execution software.

Knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics, and communications protocols for UAS.

Experience with unmanned system integration, testing, and operational procedures.

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders.

Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining attention to safety and detail.

Ability to think critically and adapt quickly to changes during flight test operations.