Fixed-Wing Test Pilot H/F

Alta Ares; Paris; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alta Ares is seeking a Fixed-Wing Test Pilot to operate our fixed-wing UAVs during development and demos, acting as Safety Pilot for experimental flights and ensuring platform integrity. You will contribute to training, documentation, and continuous improvement of operational procedures.

As you gain experience, you will participate in training, documentation, and ongoing optimization of flight procedures, while maintaining a strong safety mindset in test-flight conditions and performing hands-on

Qualifications

• Proven experience flying fixed-wing UAVs.
• Familiarity with flight-control systems and parameter testing.
• Hands-on maintenance and repair of UAV platforms.

Responsibilities

• Operate fixed-wing UAVs during development tests and demos.
• Serve as Safety Pilot during avionics hardware and software testing.
• Provide detailed feedback on anomalies to the flight-controller team.
• Perform routine maintenance of the UAVs.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain flight-test equipment and demos.

Skills

Fixed-wing UAVs

Flight testing

Safety mindset

Propulsion troubleshooting

Flight-control systems

Job description

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them.

Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development.

Role & Mission

As a Fixed-Wing Test Pilot, you will operate Alta Ares' fixed-wing drones during development and demos. You will act as the Safety Pilot during experimental flights, ensuring mission success and platform integrity. Over time, you will also contribute to training, documentation, and continuous improvement of operational procedures.

Flight Operations

• Operate fixed-wing UAVs during development tests and demos
• Execute manual piloting tasks, including executing non-standard or complex takeoff and landing procedures.
• Serve as Safety Pilot during avionics hardware and software testing, closely monitoring aircraft behavior and taking manual control when required.
• Work with the flight-controller team to provide detailed feedback on anomalies or unexpected behavior.
• Validate aircraft airworthiness and pre-flight checks.

Aircraft Maintenance

• Prepare, organize, and maintain flight-test and demo equipment.
• Routine maintenance of the UAV
• Repairs and hardware adjustments

Requirements

• Proven experience flying fixed-wing UAVs (required).
• Experience flying multirotor drones (preferred).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, CG balancing, and basic aircraft mechanics.
• Ability to troubleshoot propulsion systems, particularly turbines.
• Familiarity with flight-control systems, tuning, and parameter testing.
• Hands-on skills in maintenance and repair of UAV platforms.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to operate under test-flight conditions.