Engineering Pilot - XTEND

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Engineering Pilot to join our growing R&D team. In this role, you will own our engineering flight testing, from the first flight of a new platform until it is ready for operational use. This is an engineering role with your hands on the sticks: you will be the first to fly every new system we build, and your input will directly shape its next version. The role is built for growth, with technical depth and test ownership expanding as you gain experience across platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute flight tests in close collaboration with engineering teams, both independently and in support of engineers' tests.
• Own flight test safety, covering the system, the aircraft and all personnel on site.
• Lead bring-up of new platforms, from basic filter and PID tuning to advanced calibrations on first-flight systems.
• Identify, isolate and analyze failures in the field, and close the loop quickly with development teams.
• Work with our in-house debugging tools and actively contribute to their development and to other field tools.
• Manage field logistics, including vehicle, equipment and full test-day readiness.
• Recover the aircraft safely when hardware or engineering assumptions fail in flight.

• Proven manual piloting experience, including both quadcopters and fixed-wing platforms.
• Familiarity with flight control systems at the parameter and log level, including the ability to analyze logs and determine root cause.
• Strong engineering mindset, good hands-on skills and patience for iterative work.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and make immediate safety decisions.
• Excellent communication skills with engineering teams, translating in-flight observations into actionable data.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid RATA drone pilot certification for open-area operations.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus):

• Competitive FPV racing experience.
• Prior military experience with UAVs, or experience in structured flight testing.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
• Field hardware repair skills (soldering, component replacement, mechanical improvisation).