Flight Test Pilot - Drones (m/f/d)

Alpine Eagle; Karlsruhe; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpine Eagle in Karlsruhe, Germany, is seeking a hands-on Flight Test Pilot to support UAV flight testing for Counter-UAS systems. You will lead planning, execution, and evaluation of test flights, collaborating with hardware, software and mission teams to validate drone intercept capabilities.

Ideal candidates bring proven piloting experience with multicopters and fixed-wing UAVs, strong adherence to flight procedures, and the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• Proven piloting experience with multicopters and fixed-wing UAVs.
• Strong manual flying skills beyond highly automated platforms.
• Disciplined in following flight procedures, test cards and briefings.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure during complex flight tests.
• Solid understanding of UAV flight operations, airspace and safety principles.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork within a multidisciplinary test team.
• High level of professionalism, situational awareness and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Execute UAV flight test missions per approved plans and safety requirements.
• Safely operate multicopter and fixed-wing UAVs in manual, assisted and autonomous modes.
• Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers and System SMEs during prep, execution and debriefs.
• Perform pre-flight inspections, system checks and flight readiness reviews.
• Monitor aircraft behaviour during testing and report anomalies.
• Analyze flight test data to identify root causes and drive corrective actions with engineering.
• Support operational evaluation, product acceptance testing and customer demos.
• Occasionally travel to remote test ranges as required.

Skills

Multicopter piloting

Fixed-wing piloting

Manual flying

Flight test planning

Safety procedures

Team communication

Decision making under pressure

Attention to detail

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Flight control systems

Job description

At Alpine Eagle, we are a team of specialists with backgrounds in defence, aerospace engineering and machine learning, building the first airborne, swarm-based system to provide protection against the rising drone threat. We believe that recent conflicts have shown the malicious and disruptive potential of drones in both civilian and defense scenarios. In addition, we are convinced that the next step in counter-drone is air-to-air. We want to ensure that all governments and institutions that believe in personal freedom and the rule of law have cutting edge solutions to protect against this rising threat.

We offer a work environment that is inclusive and open, with a flat hierarchy, and a purpose-driven team. We want to reinforce a culture where great ideas can flourish, and great people collaborate.

We are seeking a hands-on and motivated Flight Test Pilot to support unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight testing in support of our Counter-UAS systems. You will be at the front lines of system validation - working closely with hardware, software, and mission teams to plan, execute, and evaluate test flights of drone systems and their intercept capabilities.

How you will make an impact:

• Execute UAV flight test missions in accordance with approved test plans, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Safely operate multicopter and fixed-wing UAVs across manual, assisted, and autonomous flight modes.
• Work closely with Flight Test Engineers and System Matter Experts during test preparation, mission execution, and post-flight debriefs.
• Perform pre-flight inspections, system checks, and flight readiness reviews.
• Monitor aircraft behaviour during testing and provide clear, timely feedback on vehicle performance and anomalies.
• Analyze flight test data to assess performance, identify root causes of anomalies, and drive corrective actions in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Support operational evaluation, product acceptance testing and customer demonstrations.
• Occasionally travel to remote test ranges as required.

What you need to be successful:

• Proven experience piloting both multicopter and fixed-wing UAVs.
• Exceptional manual flying skills beyond highly automated commercial drone platforms.
• Strong discipline in following flight procedures, test cards, and briefing instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure and maintain composure during complex flight test scenarios.
• Solid understanding of UAV flight operations, airspace, and flight safety principles.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary test team.
• High level of professionalism, situational awareness, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• EASA remote pilot competency certificate or equivalent drone operations qualification.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems.
• Previous experience supporting UAV development or flight test programs.
• Experience with VTOL and high-performance fixed-wing platforms.

At Alpine Eagle, we are committed to diversity and equal opportunity.

We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity.