V&V Pilot

ideaForge; Navi Mumbai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

ideaForge is seeking a skilled Drone Test Pilot to conduct UAV flight testing and assess aircraft performance. The role requires strong piloting skills and technical knowledge of UAV systems.

Key responsibilities include planning and executing flight tests, troubleshooting anomalies, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and valid Remote Pilot certification.

Qualifications

• Experience in drone R&D, aerospace testing, defense, mapping, inspection, or delivery operations.
• Valid Remote Pilot certification.
• Experience operating multirotor, fixed-wing, or VTOL UAVs.
• Knowledge of flight dynamics, avionics, navigation systems, and telemetry.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety procedures and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAV flight tests in accordance with test procedures and safety protocols.
• Evaluate aircraft performance, stability, navigation, payload integration, and autonomous flight capabilities.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections, system checks, and risk assessments.
• Monitor and troubleshoot flight anomalies during test operations.
• Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
• Collaborate with engineering, software, avionics, and operations teams to validate system performance.

Skills

UAV Flight Testing

Risk Assessment & Safety Management

Flight Data Analysis

Autonomous Systems Testing

Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

Technical Reporting

Regulatory Compliance

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Electronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Drone Test Pilot to conduct flight testing of UAV systems, assess aircraft performance, and support the development of next-generation drone technologies. The ideal candidate will have strong piloting skills, technical knowledge of UAV systems, and experience analyzing flight data to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute UAV flight tests in accordance with test procedures and safety protocols.
• Evaluate aircraft performance, stability, navigation, payload integration, and autonomous flight capabilities.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections, system checks, and risk assessments.
• Monitor and troubleshoot flight anomalies during test operations.
• Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
• Collaborate with engineering, software, avionics, and operations teams to validate system performance.
• Prepare detailed flight test reports and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Support hardware and software verification and validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, airspace restrictions, and company safety standards.
• Maintain accurate flight logs, maintenance records, and test documentation.
• Assist in developing flight test plans, procedures, and operational manuals.
• Participate in field demonstrations, customer trials, and certification activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, Electronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in drone R&D, aerospace testing, defense, mapping, inspection, or delivery operations.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with RF communications, GNSS systems, and payload integration.
• Ability to interpret flight data, logs, and performance metrics. Experience with flight data analysis tools.
• Valid Remote Pilot certification.
• Experience operating multirotor, fixed-wing, or VTOL UAVs.
• Knowledge of flight dynamics, avionics, navigation systems, and telemetry.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety procedures and risk management.
• Excellent problem-solving and technical communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and conduct field testing in various environments.

Key Skills

• UAV Flight Testing
• Risk Assessment & Safety Management
• Flight Data Analysis
• Autonomous Systems Testing
• Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
• Technical Reporting
• Regulatory Compliance
• Team Collaboration

Working conditions

• Outdoor flight testing in diverse weather and terrain conditions.
• Frequent travel to test ranges and customer locations.
• Flexible work hours based on flight test schedules and project requirements.