UAV Pilot

Role overview

Flight operations and testing

• Operate UAVs with an MTOW of 20 kg or above, including fixed-wing and VTOL systems, using manual, stabilized, and autonomous flight modes.
• Conduct maiden flights, performance evaluations, endurance tests, pre-flight inspections, readiness checks, and post-flight assessments.
• Handle emergencies and abnormal flight conditions; support test planning, risk assessments, and operational safety procedures.

Prototyping and integration

• Assemble, prototype, modify, and integrate UAVs, including propulsion, flight controllers, avionics, sensors, communication systems, and payloads.
• Perform mechanical assembly, wiring, component installation, and functional checks; support troubleshooting, repairs, maintenance, and modifications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams during prototype development and integration.

Configuration, documentation, and safety

• Calibrate flight controllers, check control surfaces and actuators, and verify systems through ground testing of propulsion, communication, navigation, and flight-control systems.
• Maintain flight logs, test and maintenance records, and incident reports; provide flight-test feedback to engineering teams.
• Follow applicable UAE aviation regulations and company safety procedures; support checklists, operating procedures, and test reports.

Required qualifications

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 5–8 years of relevant UAV flight operations, testing, assembly, or integration experience.
• Mandatory hands-on flight experience operating UAVs with an MTOW of 20 kg or above.
• Strong manual piloting skills; practical experience in UAV prototyping, assembly, integration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of UAV propulsion systems, avionics, flight controllers, and communication systems; understanding of flight safety and emergency handling.

Preferred skills and experience

• Fixed-wing UAV experience, particularly with internal combustion engines, is preferred; VTOL or hybrid UAV experience is also preferred.
• Prototype development, maiden flights, experimental flight testing, and UAV flight testing in the UAE are preferred.
• Knowledge of RC systems, telemetry links, GNSS, and flight-control systems, plus familiarity with flight-log analysis and basic performance evaluation, is preferred.