Sr. Research and Development Engineer – Prototyping and Flight Testing

Role Overview

As a Research and Development Engineer, Prototyping and Flight Testing you will be actively involved in the assembly, modification, testing and flight validation of UAV prototypes. This role combines practical workshop-based work with flight field operations, ensuring that designs are physically realized, integrated and flight-verified.

• Assemble, integrate and modify prototype UAVs in the workshop, including fabrication, fitting and repair of airframe components.
• Support mechanical fabrication tasks such as composite work, CNC, 3D printing, wiring, soldering and harness assembly.
• Plan and execute flight test campaigns for fixed-wing UAVs of 25 kg, including mission prep, field testing and pilot operation (manual and autonomous).
• Tune flight parameters (e.g. PID, failsafes, airspeeds) and configure autopilots (e.g. PX4, Ardu Pilot).
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware and GCS teams for rapid problem-solving.
• Maintain a clean, organized workshop and field-ready UAV inventory.
• Contribute to SOPs and documentation for integration and test processes.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of experience in UAV prototyping, flight testing and workshop-based fabrication.
• Demonstrated experience flying and tuning fixed-wing UAVs above 25 kg MTOW.
• Practical skills in airframe assembly, composite work, soldering, cabling and mechanical integration.
• Familiarity with PX4 and/or Ardu Pilot, including autopilot tuning and calibration.
• Experience with various RC systems and different types of propulsion; turbojet experience highly desirable.
• Strong safety awareness and risk assessment capability during workshop and field testing.
• Willingness to travel and work in outdoor field environments for flight test campaigns.