Flight Test Engineer

Randstad Digital; Oakley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Digital in Oakley, Bedfordshire, is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to lead the preparation, execution, and analysis of UAV flight testing. You will bridge engineering and field testing, ensuring safe and compliant testing throughout the lifecycle.

You will design test plans, fly tests as a UAV pilot, collect telemetry data, and translate results into actionable engineering feedback for the team. Familiarity with aviation regulations and UK security clearance is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience in uncrewed flight test operations and telemetry analysis.
• UAV pilot certification with both manual and autonomous flight capabilities.
• Strong ability to translate flight data into engineering feedback.
• Bonus: knowledge of CAA/MAA/EASA regs and UK SC clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design flight test plans and risk assessments, oversee ground checks and final system readiness.
• Lead in‑field UAV flight tests to collect telemetry and performance data.
• Download, process and report on flight data to inform engineering decisions.

Skills

UAV flight tests

Telemetry analysis

UAV piloting

Data interpretation

Safety & compliance

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Flight Test Engineer to manage the preparation, execution, and in-depth analysis of flight operations for cutting‑edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this role, you will bridge the gap between engineering and field testing, driving the rigorous evaluation of UAV systems while ensuring safety and compliance throughout the testing lifecycle.

What you will be doing:

• Test Planning & Prep: Designing comprehensive flight test plans and risk assessments, while overseeing ground testing and final system checks prior to takeoff.
• Flight Execution: Operating as a UAV pilot in the field, leading active testing to gather crucial telemetry and performance data.
• Analysis & Reporting: Downloading and processing flight data to evaluate system performance, and delivering actionable technical insights to the engineering teams.

What you need to bring:

• Proven experience in uncrewed or crewed flight test operations, test card generation, and telemetry analysis.
• Practical experience and certification as a UAV pilot, with capabilities in both manual and autonomous flight operations.
• Strong analytical skills to effectively translate complex flight data into vital engineering feedback.
• Bonus points for: Familiarity with Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements (CAA, MAA, EASA) and the ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC level).

#UAV #FlightTestEngineer #AviationJobs #DroneTech #UAVPilot #EngineeringJobs #FlightTesting #Hiring#Oakley, Bedfordshire