Drone Integration and Test Pilot

Bharati Defence and Infrastructure Limited; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Bharati Defence & Infrastructure Limited in Mumbai seeks a hands-on Drone Integration and Test Pilot to lead integration, testing and demonstrations for defence users across India.

You will work on multirotor, VTOL and fixed-wing platforms, select subsystems, validate performance, and document results for production handover. Travel across the country is expected.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience building and integrating drones.
• Experience integrating and flying multirotor drones.
• Flight-test experience on VTOL and fixed-wing unmanned platforms.
• Strong knowledge of autopilots and data links.
• Ability to test and troubleshoot at component level.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test in-house drones as test platforms.
• Integrate flight controllers, GNSS, telemetry and power systems.
• Configure autopilot parameters for stable flight and perform range tests.
• Test, diagnose and troubleshoot systems down to component level.
• Prepare test plans, safety checklists and risk assessments.
• Conduct live demonstrations for defence audiences.

Skills

Drone integration

Flight testing

Autopilots PX4/ArduPilot

RF/datalinks

Demonstrations

Troubleshooting

Education

Diploma/Bachelor in Aeronautical/Electronics/Mechanical

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

GCS software

Job description

Job Title: Drone Integration and Test Pilot

Company: Bharati Defence & Infrastructure Limited

Department: Unmanned Systems

Employment Type: Full-time

Experience: 5-8 Years

Salary: As per industry standards and experience

About Us

Bharati Defence & Infrastructure Limited (BDIL) is a growing defence technology and system integration organization focused on communication, surveillance, and mission-critical solutions across Air, Land, and Marine platforms. The company is aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

About the Role

We need a hands‑on Drone Integration and Test Pilot to integrate systems, payloads and radio links onto multirotor, VTOL and fixed‑wing platforms, test‑fly them, build in‑house R&D drones, evaluate vendor drones and subsystems, advise on platform and subsystem selection for mass production, and conduct live demonstrations for defence users across India. The candidate should be equally comfortable at the workbench and on the flight line, and able to test systems down to the component level.

Key Responsibilities

In‑house R&D Drone Development

• Design, build and assemble in‑house R&D drones (multirotor, and VTOL/fixed‑wing as required) as test platforms.
• Select frames, motors, propellers, ESCs, batteries, flight controllers and power systems for R&D builds.
• Use R&D platforms to test and compare candidate subsystems from different suppliers under controlled, repeatable conditions.
• Run qualification and endurance testing on shortlisted subsystems to confirm reliability before they are selected for mass production.
• Recommend final subsystem choices for production builds, backed by test data, and document a standard build configuration.
• Support the production team with build guidelines, test procedures and acceptance checks when designs move to mass production.

System Integration and Payload Mounting

• Integrate flight controllers, GNSS, telemetry, power systems and companion computers onto multirotor airframes.
• Mount and integrate cameras, gimbals, sensors and mission‑specific payloads, ensuring correct balance, vibration isolation and CG.
• Configure, tune and calibrate autopilot parameters for stable, repeatable flight.
• Test and diagnose systems down to the component level, including motors, ESCs, batteries, power distribution, sensors, wiring and connectors.
• Use bench testing (thrust stands, multimeters, power analysers, log analysis) to isolate faults and verify component performance before integration.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and software issues during build and testing.
• Integrate our proprietary radio systems for command, control and data links onto unmanned platforms.
• Conduct range, link‑quality and interference testing; report findings to the radio engineering team.
• Validate end‑to‑end communication between airframe, ground control station and payload.

Flight Testing

• Plan and conduct flight tests on multirotor, VTOL and fixed‑wing platforms, from first flights to endurance and performance trials.
• Prepare test plans, pre‑flight checklists and risk assessments for every test campaign.
• Record flight logs and telemetry, analyse results and recommend design or tuning changes.

Vendor Evaluation and Technical Advisory

• Test and evaluate vendor drones and subsystems against technical and operational requirements.
• Advise management on which drones and platforms to procure, based on hands‑on testing and mission suitability.
• Recommend which subsystems (flight controllers, GNSS, motors, ESCs, batteries, payloads, datalinks) to test, qualify and integrate into our platforms and production designs.
• Prepare clear, objective evaluation reports on performance, reliability and integration suitability.
• Track new drone platforms and subsystems in the market and flag those worth evaluating.

Demonstrations and Field Support

• Prepare platforms, payloads and support equipment for demonstrations to defence personnel.
• Conduct live flight demonstrations and explain capabilities clearly to military audiences.
• Manage field logistics, spares and on‑site readiness at remote locations.
• Capture user feedback and relay it to the engineering team.

Safety and Documentation

• Follow flight safety procedures and comply with DGCA regulations and site‑specific rules.
• Maintain integration records, configuration files, test reports and maintenance logs.
• Contribute to department SOPs for integration, testing and demonstrations.

Requirements

• Proven hands‑on experience building drones from scratch, including frame, propulsion and power system selection.
• Proven hands‑on experience integrating and flying multirotor drones.
• Practical flight‑test experience on VTOL and/or fixed‑wing unmanned platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of autopilots such as PX4 or ArduPilot and common GCS software.
• Understanding of RF fundamentals, datalinks and radio integration on unmanned systems.
• Experience conducting demonstrations or trials for defence or government users.
• Ability to test and troubleshoot unmanned systems at the component level, not just at the integrated system level.
• Ability to diagnose faults across electrical, mechanical and software domains.
• Sound judgement to advise on platform and subsystem selection based on test data.
• Understanding of how prototype designs are qualified and handed over for mass production.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Disciplined approach to flight safety and risk management.
• Clear, structured technical documentation and reporting.
• Confident communication with engineers, vendors and senior defence personnel.
• Calm, methodical decision‑making in the field.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work in demanding outdoor conditions.
• Basic soldering, wiring harness and fabrication skills.
• Familiarity with flight log analysis tools; basic scripting is an advantage.

Preferred Education and Certifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical, Electronics, Mechanical or a related engineering discipline.
• Additional training in fixed‑wing or VTOL operations is a plus.
• Prior armed forces or defence trials experience is an advantage.

Travel

• Frequent travel across India for flight trials, vendor evaluations and defence demonstrations, often at short notice.
• Work at test ranges, field sites and military establishments in varied terrain and weather.

What We Offer

• Hands‑on work across R&D, integration, flight testing and live defence demonstrations
• Direct exposure to defence users and the mass‑production hand‑over of unmanned systems
• A fast‑paced, growth‑oriented work environment