Flight Test Engineer (a)

SwissDrones; Buchs (SG); On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SwissDrones seeks an experienced aerospace test engineer to lead flight test procedures, risk assessments, and compliance documentation for regulatory submissions. You will monitor tests, ensure traceability to requirements, and coordinate with pilots, engineers, and technicians across multiple disciplines.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace test engineering with strong knowledge of EASA frameworks, SORA/SAIL, and telemetry/instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering.
• Proven 5+ years in aerospace test engineering focused on compliance verification.
• Experience defining/executing test plans and producing compliance documentation.
• Solid knowledge of EASA certification frameworks CS-27/29 or SC‑Light UAS and SORA/SAIL processes.
• Experience with flight test planning, safety processes, telemetry, and instrumentation.
• Strong documentation and communication skills; translate test outcomes into evidence.
• Ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Experience with M365 (SharePoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Strong can-do/will-do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain flight test procedures, test cards, and risk assessments.
• Monitor flight and ground tests with traceability to requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive test reports and compliance documentation for authorities.
• Support SORA and SAIL compliance activities and risk validation.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, and mechanical teams.
• Maintain configuration control and data integrity.
• Provide clear compliance evidence to authorities and respond to findings.
• Prepare flight test orders and coordinate readiness with crews.
• Act as Telemetry Controller during test campaigns and monitor data.

Skills

Flight mechanics

Avionics integration

Systems integration

Compliance verification

Test plan definition

Compliance documentation

EASA CS-27/29 and SC-Light UAS

SORA/SAIL processes

Flight test planning

Telemetry & instrumentation

Documentation & communication

Cross-disciplinary leadership

English language skills

M365 (SharePoint/Outlook/Teams)

Can-do attitude

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Role and Responsibility

• Develop and maintain comprehensive flight test procedures, test cardsand risk assessments in alignment with engineering requirements and safety protocols
• Monitor flight and ground tests, ensuring traceability to requirements and regulatory objectives
• Prepare comprehensive test reports and compliance documentation suitable for submission to EASA / FAA and other authorities
• Support SORA and SAIL compliance activities, including operational risk assessment validation and contingency procedure verification
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, and mechanical teams to align test activities with program-level compliance objectives
• Maintain rigorous configuration control, data integrity, and documentation standards
• Support authority engagement by providing clear compliance evidence and responding to findings or clarifications
• Prepare flight test orders and coordinate test readiness with pilots, aircrew, remote operators, ground crew, and engineering teams
• Act as Telemetry Controller during test campaigns, monitoring real-time data and providing mission support

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent)
• Strong background in flight mechanics, avionics, and systems integration
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace test engineering with a focus on compliance verification
• Proven track record of defining and executing test plans and producing compliance documentation for regulatory authorities
• Solid knowledge of EASA certification frameworks (CS-27/29 or SC-Light UAS) and SORA/SAIL processes
• Experience with flight test planning, safety processes, telemetry, and instrumentation
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with ability to translate test outcomes into compliance evidence
• Ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluent in english – written and spoken
• Experience with M365 (Sharepoint, Outlook, Teams)
• A strong can-do/will-do attitude

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with UAV flight testing under EASA oversight
• Knowledge of test data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Knowledge of certification processes and regulatory frameworks (EASA, FAA, military, or equivalent)
• Experience with safety assessments (FHA, PSSA, FMEA, FTA)
• Prior involvement in audits or compliance reviews with authorities.
• Hands-on experience with SIL/HIL environments, ground control stations, and payload integration
• Experience with Jira, Confluence
• German: B2 - Upper Intermediate language

What's in for you

• An emerging game-changer in uncrewed aviation
• To be part of a high-tech company that is at the forefront of advancing drone technology and innovation
• A team of over 50 people from (currently) 12 nations and cultures with great team events
• A dynamic, motivated, hands‑on and international working environment
• Transparent communication at eye level and open feedback culture with short communication lines
• Flexible working models with 20% mobile office option
• Unlimited space for entrepreneurial thinking and participation
• Office space and production facilities with good connections to public transport
• Well‑known and international customers, suppliers and partners
• Steep learning curves and trusting mentorship
• 360° insight and 100% involvement in the processes and development steps of our drones
• 25 paid vacation days per year