UAV External Pilot - Fixed Wing

ESP Engineered; Karnataka; On-site; INR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

ESP Engineered in Karnataka is looking for a UAV External Pilot to operate fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in both VLOS and BVLOS missions. You will be responsible for pre-flight planning, executing missions, and ensuring compliance with DGCA India regulations.

The ideal candidate has 4-6 years of hands-on experience with UAVs, strong technical skills, and the ability to adapt to dynamic mission requirements. This role includes frequent travel to remote sites and demands flexibility for extended hours during critical operations.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of hands-on experience operating fixed-wing UAVs.
• Experience with VTOL fixed-wing systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of radio communication systems, telemetry, GNSS, and INS.

Responsibilities

• Operate UAVs in VLOS and BVLOS missions.
• Monitor aircraft performance and take corrective actions.
• Execute emergency procedures to ensure mission safety.

Skills

Manual takeoff and landing

Ground Control Stations proficiency

Strong situational awareness

Excellent problem-solving skills

Communication and teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Aeronautical Engineering or related field

Tools

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Pixhawk autopilot

ArduPilot

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.