UAV Test Pilot / Drone Operator (m/w/d)

Autonomous Teaming; München; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Autonomous Teaming is seeking a UAV Test Pilot to join our international, agile team developing autonomous systems. You will conduct real-world test flights, act as PIC, monitor telemetry, and support safety-critical evaluation.

Based in Munich, you’ll collaborate with engineers to validate new features, flight modes, and software updates while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and risk management.

Qualifications

• Valid UAV pilot license (FAA Part 107, EASA drone license, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience flying UAVs in real operational environments.
• Strong piloting skills and flight hours on multirotor and/or fixed-wing drones.
• Solid understanding of UAV flight dynamics, safety procedures, and risk management.
• Ability to operate drones safely in complex or non-standard scenarios.
• Strong attention to detail and a safety-first mindset.
• Practical flight experience prioritized over formal degree.

Responsibilities

• Conduct manual UAV test flights in real-world and controlled environments to validate performance, reliability, and safety.
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) during test missions, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations.
• Monitor and interpret telemetry, sensor data, and flight parameters in real time to support engineering and testing teams.
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight inspections, system checks, and diagnostics to ensure airworthiness prior to takeoff.
• Execute and adhere to safety protocols, emergency procedures, and contingency plans during all flight operations.
• Support post-flight data collection, logging, and debriefs, providing actionable feedback to improve UAV systems.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, airspace constraints, and operational limitations throughout test activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to validate new features, flight modes, and software updates.

Skills

UAV pilot license

Hands-on UAV flight

Manual piloting

Flight dynamics safety

Complex scenarios

Attention to detail

Practical flight experience

Education

Formal degree not required

Tools

QGroundControl

PX4

ArduPilot Mission Planner

Job description

• Work in an international, agile team creating the future of autonomous systems
• Grow your career in a expanding and ambitious engineering team
• Build innovative products using state-of-the-art technologies in AI, robotics, and autonomy
• Benefit from a steep learning curve and continuous development
• Enjoy team events and a strong, collaborative culture

Your mission

• Conduct manual UAV test flights in real-world and controlled environments to validate performance, reliability, and safety
• Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) during test missions, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations
• Monitor and interpret telemetry, sensor data, and flight parameters in real time to support engineering and testing teams
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight inspections, system checks, and diagnostics to ensure airworthiness prior to takeoff
• Execute and adhere to safety protocols, emergency procedures, and contingency plans during all flight operations
• Support post-flight data collection, logging, and debriefs, providing actionable feedback to improve UAV systems
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, airspace constraints, and operational limitations throughout test activities
• Collaborate closely with engineers to validate new features, flight modes, and software updates

Your profile

• Valid UAV pilot license (FAA Part 107, EASA drone license, or equivalent) — required
• Proven, hands‑on experience flying UAVs in real operational environments
• Strong manual piloting skills and demonstrated flight hours on multirotor and/or fixed‑wing drones
• Solid understanding of UAV flight dynamics, safety procedures, and operational risk management
• Ability to operate drones safely in complex or non‑standard scenarios
• Strong attention to detail and a safety‑first mindset
• Formal degree not required; practical flight experience is the priority

Nice to have

• Experience with flight testing, experimental platforms, or prototype UAVs
• Hands‑on experience with ground control and mission planning software (QGroundControl, PX4 / ArduPilot Mission Planner...)
• Background in aerospace, robotics, avionics, or embedded systems
• Experience operating UAVs in BVLOS, industrial inspection, or R&D environments
• Familiarity with autonomous flight modes, failsafe behaviors, and system redundancy concepts

What else

• Intrinsic motivation, attention to detail, and strong problem‑solving mindset
• Creative thinker with a structured and systematic approach
• Humble and collaborative — prioritizes collective success over individual recognition
• High ethical standards and disciplined work ethic
• Extra‑curricular leadership or achievements are a bonus
• Nationality of a NATO member nation or close ally is required
• Successful candidates will be required to obtain security clearance

About us

The world is changing. Exponential technologies are enabling new types of security threats. ATS is committed to staying ahead by building nimble, scalable, and cost‑effective defences. We are looking for passionate team members who are eager to create exceptional products, safeguard our freedom, and strengthen the resilience of democracies.

Who we are:Autonomous Teaming is a defence‑tech start‑up specializing in machine vision solutions. Driven by cutting‑edge innovation, our team works on next‑generation technologies designed to meet rapidly evolving security challenges.

What we do: We develop systems that enable computers and sensors to operate as coordinated teams, collaborating in real time to counter AI‑powered asymmetric threats at scale — including drone swarms and other UXVs. Our mission is to build resilient, intelligent defence capabilities that perform reliably in the most demanding environments.

How we work: We value close, in‑person collaboration as the foundation for building complex, high‑impact technology, while maintaining flexibility aligned to role and team needs. Our culture is built on ownership, responsibility, and trust — with a shared commitment to growing and building together.

Where we are: Based in Munich, Berlin, and Toulouse, we are expanding rapidly across Europe with plans to open additional office hubs.