UAV External Pilot - Fixed Wing

Keka Technologies Private Limited; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The UAV External Pilot role is based in Bengaluru and focuses on safe operation of fixed-wing UAVs across all flight phases. It requires extensive hands-on flying experience, regulatory adherence, and close coordination with payload teams.

Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, mission execution, and post-flight debriefs. Ideal candidates bring 4–6 years of hands-on UAV flight experience, strong knowledge of autopilots like ArduPilot and PX4, and the ability to operate in remote field

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 4-6 years of hands-on experience operating fixed-wing UAVs.
• Experience with manual takeoffs/landings of fixed-wing platforms.
• Experience with VTOL fixed-wing systems highly desirable.
• Exposure to ISR missions is an advantage.
• Experience in flight testing and system validation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates fixed-wing UAVs in VLOS and BVLOS missions.
• Conducts takeoffs/landings, including hand-launch, catapult, and runway ops.
• Monitors aircraft performance and takes corrective actions.
• Executes emergency procedures for mission safety.
• Coordinates with internal pilots and payload operators for mission execution.
• Performs pre-flight inspections of airframe, propulsion, avionics, and payloads.
• Verifies mission parameters, weather, NOTAMs, and airspace restrictions.
• Configures autopilots such as Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and PX4.
• Performs post-flight inspections and documents anomalies.
• Maintains flight logs and operational records.
• Supports R&D and flight testing of new UAV platforms.
• Assists in ATP and performance validation.
• Ensures operations comply with DGCA India regulations and SOPs.
• Assists in training junior pilots and contributes to documentation.

Skills

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

UgCS

ArduPilot

PX4

Aerodynamics

Flight mechanics

Telemetry

GNSS

INS

Fail-safe concepts

Weather assessment

Mission planning

Situational awareness

Decision making

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Safety consciousness

Field operations

Remote operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Aeronautical Engineering / Aviation / Electronics / Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

UgCS

ArduPilot

PX4

Job description

The UAV External Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during all phases of flight, including pre-flight planning, launch, mission execution, and recovery. The role requires extensive hands-on flying experience, adherence to regulatory requirements, and close coordination with payload operators and ground control teams. The candidate will also support flight testing, mission planning, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates fixed-wing UAVs in Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions.
• Conduct manual and semi-autonomous takeoffs and landings, including hand-launch, catapult launch, and runway operations.
• Monitor aircraft performance during all flight phases and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Execute emergency procedures and contingency plans to ensure mission safety.
• Coordinate with internal pilots and payload operators for seamless mission execution.
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight inspections of the airframe, propulsion system, avionics, and payloads.
• Verify mission parameters, weather conditions, NOTAMs, and airspace restrictions.
• Configure and validate autopilot systems such as Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and PX4.
• Conduct post-flight inspections and debriefings, documenting anomalies and maintenance requirements.
• Maintain accurate flight logs and operational records.
• Support R&D and flight testing of new UAV platforms and system upgrades.
• Assist in acceptance test procedures (ATP) and performance validation.
• Ensure all operations comply with DGCA India regulations and organizational SOPs.
• Assist in training junior pilots and contribute to operational documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

Experience

• 4-6 years of hands-on experience operating fixed-wing UAVs.
• Demonstrated experience in manual takeoff and landing of fixed-wing platforms.
• Experience with VTOL fixed-wing systems is highly desirable.
• Exposure to ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions is an advantage.
• Experience in flight testing and system validation is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Ground Control Stations such as Mission Planner, QGroundControl, and UgCS.
• Hands-on experience with autopilot systems including ArduPilot and PX4.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics and flight mechanics of fixed-wing aircraft.
• Knowledge of radio communication systems, telemetry, GNSS, and INS.
• Familiarity with fail-safe mechanisms and redundancy systems.
• Ability to assess weather conditions and conduct mission planning.
• Strong situational awareness and decision-making skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• High level of discipline and safety consciousness.
• Ability to work in remote and field environments.
• Adaptability to dynamic mission requirements.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to remote test and operational sites.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours during mission-critical operations.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with military or defence UAV operations.
• Familiarity with SATCOM and long-range communication systems.
• Knowledge of payload integration such as EO/IR sensors.
• Participation in type certification or airworthiness processes.