UAV Pilot

Overview

We are looking for a seasoned UAV Pilot with 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in operating, assembling, prototyping, and flight-testing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) particularly those with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 20 kg or more. Candidates should preferably have experience with fixed-wing and VTOL UAV platforms, supporting UAV development and active flight-testing operations in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate UAVs weighing at least 20 kg, including both fixed-wing and VTOL models, across manual, stabilized, and autonomous modes.
• Plan and execute flight-test missions such as maiden flights, performance assessments, and endurance tests, ensuring thorough pre- and post-flight inspections and readiness checks.
• Respond to emergencies and irregular flight conditions with appropriate contingency actions.
• Assist in flight-test planning, conduct risk assessments, and enforce operational safety protocols.
• Engage in physical tasks including assembly, prototyping, modification, and system integration of UAV components such as propulsion units, flight controllers, avionics, sensors, communication devices, and payloads.
• Perform mechanical assembly, wiring, system testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs to guarantee platform reliability.
• Work closely with engineering teams during UAV prototype development and integration phases.
• Conduct UAV calibration tasks including flight controller tuning, actuator verification, and system checks on the ground.
• Document flights comprehensively by maintaining logs, test data, maintenance reports, and incident documentation, contributing detailed feedback to improve UAV designs.
• Ensure all flight operations comply with UAE aviation laws and company safety guidelines, including preparation of checklists and test reports.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, or an allied technical field.
• Between 5 to 8 years of pertinent experience in UAV flight operations, testing, assembly, and system integration.
• Proven hands-on flying experience with UAVs exceeding 20 kg MTOW.
• Excellent manual piloting skills and familiarity with multiple flight modes.
• Strong capabilities in UAV prototyping, integration, fault diagnosis, and repair.
• Solid understanding of propulsion, avionics, flight control, and communication systems in UAVs.
• Competency in identifying and resolving mechanical, electrical, and in-flight technical challenges.
• Good knowledge of flight safety procedures and emergency management in UAV operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Flight experience with fixed-wing UAVs powered by internal combustion engines.
• Expertise with VTOL or hybrid UAV configurations.
• Background in prototype development, initial flights, and experimental testing.
• Familiarity with remote control systems, telemetry, GNSS navigation, and flight control mechanisms.
• Skills in analyzing UAV flight logs and conducting performance evaluations.
• Previous UAV flight-testing experience within the UAE is advantageous.

Additional Information

• Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Department: Research & Development.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the UAE.
• Immediate joining required.