RPAS/UAS Flight Test Pilot

Volatus Aerospace Corp.; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Group benefits plan

Group RRSP

Recruitment accommodations available

Job summary

Volatus Aerospace seeks a RPAS/UAS Flight Test Pilot to plan and conduct structured flight tests of large uncrewed rotorcraft. The role blends hands-on piloting, ground control station operation, flight-data analysis, and collaboration with engineering and maintenance to evaluate aircraft performance.

The candidate will support testing of other RPAS platforms as needed, follow approved procedures and safety requirements, and may travel domestically or internationally as required.

Qualifications

• Education in aviation, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, or related field is an asset.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on RC aircraft operation experience (RC helicopters and fixed-wing/multirotor).
• Experience operating a ground control station for RPAS including mission planning and telemetry monitoring.
• Experience supporting aircraft setup or flight-control tuning using logs/telemetry for performance issues.
• Ability to plan and execute flights using documented procedures and clear safety decisions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, and conduct flight tests per approved plans and safety requirements.
• Serve as PIC, manual pilot, or safety pilot when qualified.
• Maintain piloting proficiency and respond to abnormal flight conditions.
• Lead crew briefings/debriefings and ensure proper go/no-go decisions.
• Configure and operate ground control stations for mission planning and flight execution.
• Identify and troubleshoot aircraft, avionics, propulsion, navigation and comms issues.
• Review flight logs/telemetry to identify anomalies and assess performance.
• Maintain accurate records of configurations used during testing.
• Develop test cards, checklists, and flight test reports; support risk assessments and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Manual RC helicopter piloting

Flight data analysis

Aircraft systems knowledge

Documentation & communication

Flight-test software tools

Education

Aviation / Aerospace engineering education

Experience operating RPAS/RPAS

Ground control station experience

Flight-test documentation & safety procedures

BVLOS risk assessments (asset)

Tools

Ground control software

Telemetry tools

Flight logs analysis software

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With deep technological and subject matter expertise and over 100 years' worth of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides meaningful aerial solutions for end users across various industries using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS or drones). We are committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through innovative, real-world aerial solutions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Chief Pilot, RPAS/UAS, the RPAS/UAS Flight Test Pilot plans and conducts structured flight tests of large uncrewed rotorcraft. The role combines hands-on manual RC helicopter piloting, ground control station operation, flight-data analysis, and close collaboration with engineering and maintenance to evaluate aircraft performance.

The pilot may also support the testing and introduction of other RPAS platforms as operational needs evolve. All flight activities must follow approved procedures, authorizations, and safety requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Flight Test Operations

• Plan, brief, and conduct flight tests in accordance with approved test plans, procedures, authorizations, and operating limitations.
• Serve as pilot in command, manual pilot, or safety pilot when qualified and designated for the operation.
• Maintain manual piloting proficiency and respond appropriately to abnormal or degraded flight conditions.
• Complete pre-flight and post-flight inspections, functional checks, and configuration verification.
• Lead crew briefings and debriefings, apply crew resource management principles, and make clear go/no-go decisions.

Ground Control Station & Flight Systems

• Configure and operate ground control stations for mission planning, aircraft monitoring, and flight execution.
• Set up and monitor command-and-control links, telemetry, and associated ground equipment.
• Identify and help troubleshoot aircraft, avionics, propulsion, navigation, and communications issues.
• Provide practical feedback to engineering on flight systems and operator workflows.

Aircraft & Flight Test Analysis

• Work with engineering to support aircraft setup, flight-control tuning, and configuration changes.
• Review flight logs and telemetry to identify anomalies and assess aircraft performance.
• Document test results, configuration changes, and recommendations for follow-up work.
• Maintain accurate records of aircraft and software configurations used during testing.

Safety, Documentation & Compliance

• Develop and maintain test cards, checklists, flight test reports, and normal and emergency procedures.
• Contribute to operational risk assessments and regulatory submissions as required.
• Maintain flight and technical records in accordance with company procedures and applicable Transport Canada requirements.
• Participate in hazard and occurrence reporting and support the company’s Safety Management System.
• Conduct flights only within the authorizations and responsibilities assigned by the Chief Pilot.

Program Support & Development

• Help develop aircraft-specific training materials and support the training of other pilots and crew members.
• Support flight testing and introduction of other RPAS platforms as required.
• Provide operational input for customer demonstrations and technical proposals when needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

• Education in aviation, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, or a related field is an asset. An equivalent combination of training and experience is welcome.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience manually operating RC aircraft, including RC helicopters and fixed-wing and/or multirotor platforms.
• Demonstrated experience operating a ground control station for a complete RPAS, including mission planning, telemetry monitoring, and command-and-control link management.
• Experience supporting aircraft setup or flight-control tuning and using flight logs or telemetry to investigate performance or technical issues.
• Ability to plan and execute flights using documented procedures, checklists, and clear safety decisions.
• Flight test experience, including test card development and structured envelope expansion, is an asset.
• Experience with large uncrewed helicopters, heavy-lift RPAS, or optionally piloted aircraft is an asset.
• Experience with other RC aircraft types and commercial or open-source autopilots and ground control software is an asset.
• Experience with BVLOS operations, risk assessments, or SFOC-RPAS applications is an asset.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Transport Canada Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations is required.
• Transport Canada Pilot Certificate - Level 1 Complex Operations, or the ability to obtain it, is an asset.
• Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification (ROC-A) is an asset.
• A piloted-aircraft licence or experience in helicopter or fixed-wing aviation is an asset.

SKILLS

• Strong manual RC helicopter piloting skills and sound understanding of rotary-wing flight dynamics.
• Ability to analyze flight logs and telemetry to support troubleshooting and performance evaluation.
• Working knowledge of aircraft electrical, avionics, propulsion, and communications systems.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar flight-data analysis tools is an asset.

ATTRIBUTES

• Sound airmanship and composure in dynamic flight situations.
• Safety-focused and disciplined in following test procedures and limitations.
• Analytical, mechanically inclined, and collaborative with engineering and maintenance teams.
• Adaptable to changing test schedules and operational requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

• Ability to work on-site in Vaughan and travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Valid driver’s licence in good standing.
• Ability to obtain travel documentation required for assigned trips.

HOURS OF WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time, on-site position (40 hours per week). Flight testing may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, or overtime to accommodate test schedules and suitable weather.
• Approximately 20-30% domestic or international travel may be required.
• Work takes place in hangars and outdoor flight test environments and may involve noise, rotating machinery, fuels, batteries, and changing weather. Employees must use required protective equipment and follow all applicable safety procedures.

• From time to time, the Employee may be required to maintain reasonable flexibility in working hours to support operational needs, time-sensitive activities, or business priorities.

WHY JOIN VOLATUS AEROSPACE

A t Volatus Aerospace, you will be joining an innovative, fast-paced company with a strong commitment to customer success and industry advancement. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive group benefits plan, and a group RRSP. You will have the opportunity to work with a passionate global team on cutting-edge aerospace projects while continuing to grow your career in a collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact company growth and operational success

Volatus Aerospace is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment process upon request.