Lead UAS Flight Test Engineer

Syos Aerospace; Fareham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace is seeking an experienced UAS Flight Test Engineer to take aircraft prototypes through flight-testing, evaluation and into operational capability. The role blends hands-on testing with flight operations leadership, data analysis and safety governance.

You will plan campaigns, develop test plans and risk assessments, coordinate live tests, and communicate findings to engineers and pilots while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years' experience leading complex UAS flight trials in regulated environment.
• Proven experience flight testing fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing UAS.
• Strong experience with structured test processes, including test cards, test plans and risk assessments.
• Experience working within a regulated UAS or aviation organisation.
• Experience leading small operational teams.
• Understanding of flight safety, operational risk and safety management systems.
• Experience planning and commanding VLOS and BVLOS operations.
• Ability to interpret telemetry, flight data and logs into engineering insights.
• Excellent communication skills and independent decision-making for safety.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of flight test activities across fixed-wing and rotary-wing UAS platforms.
• Plan and lead complex UAS flight test campaigns from preparation through analysis.
• Develop Flight Test Plans, Risk Assessments, Method Statements and test cards.
• Define objectives and success criteria for aircraft, payloads, telemetry and systems.
• Coordinate live test activity including airspace, test areas and ground support.
• Lead pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefs with pilots and engineers.
• Act as technical authority on-site for flight safety and test execution.
• Monitor aircraft health, telemetry, systems and environmental conditions during flight.
• Analyse flight data and logs to understand performance and identify issues.
• Produce clear test and evaluation reports with findings and actions.
• Collaborate with Flight Operations Manager and teams to ensure safe operations.
• Challeneg unsafe/non-compliant activity and stop operations if risks are unacceptable.

Skills

UAS flight testing

Flight test leadership

Telemetry interpretation

Safety management

Risk assessments

Test planning

Communication

Education

Aerospace Engineering

Robotics

Systems Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Flight-data analysis tools

Job description

SYOS Aerospace is seeking an experienced UAS Flight Test Engineer to take aircraft prototypes through flight-testing, evaluation and into operational capability. The role blends hands-on testing with flight operations leadership, data analysis and safety governance.

You will plan campaigns, develop test plans and risk assessments, coordinate live tests, and communicate findings to engineers and pilots while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.