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

Alpine Eagle GmbH; Karlsruhe; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Alpine Eagle GmbH is seeking a hands-on Flight Test Pilot to lead UAV flight testing for counter-UAS systems in Karlsruhe. You will plan, execute, and evaluate drone test flights, collaborating with hardware, software, and mission teams to validate system performance.

The role requires proven piloting experience with multicopters and fixed-wing platforms, strict adherence to test procedures, and strong teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment. Occasional travel to remote ranges may be needed.

Qualifikationen

• Proven experience piloting multicopter and fixed-wing UAVs.
• Strong discipline in following flight procedures and safety.
• Ability to analyze flight data and identify anomalies.

Aufgaben

• Execute UAV flight test missions per approved plans and safety rules.
• Operate multicopter and fixed-wing UAVs across manual, assisted, and autonomous modes.
• Collaborate with Flight Test Engineers during prep, execution, and debriefs.
• Perform pre-flight inspections and flight readiness reviews.
• Monitor aircraft behavior and report anomalies and performance insights.
• Travel to remote test ranges as required.

Kenntnisse

Flight test experience

Multicopter piloting

Fixed-wing piloting

Autonomous flight modes

Test planning & briefing

Cross-disciplinary communication

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Jobbeschreibung

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

• 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.