Drone Test Pilot

Krush Labs; Eindhoven; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Krush Labs in Eindhoven is seeking a Drone Test Pilot to build, assemble, and test aircraft prototypes, including fixed-wing drones and copters. You will conduct maiden flights, endurance tests, and BVLOS/VLOS trials with hands-on workshop work and site travel to support development.

You will work with engineering teams to communicate results, troubleshoot issues, and enhance aircraft performance, applying deep knowledge of aeronautics, drone systems, and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of demonstrated drone piloting experience including fixed-wing and copters.
• FPV and visual flight experience.
• Strong understanding of aeronautics, drone systems, flight testing, and structural testing.
• EU drone pilot certificate A1/A3 (Dutch dronebewijs) is required; A2, STS-01/STS-02 are a plus.
• Dutch driving license is required.
• At least 1 year of aeronautical/drone testing experience.
• Experience with workshop activities and prototyping/manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble, and prepare drone prototypes, including fixed-wing aircraft, copters, and unmanned platforms.
• Work on the structural and electrical/electronic aspects of aircraft construction and integration.
• Conduct maiden flights, endurance and range tests, and other flight trials.
• Operate drones under VLOS and BVLOS, under applicable regulations.
• Prepare aircraft, equipment, and test setups for flight activities.
• Support structural testing, troubleshooting, and prototype improvements.
• Perform workshop activities related to aircraft construction and prototyping and manufacturing processes.
• Travel to different test sites to conduct flight tests and support development activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to communicate test results and improve aircraft performance.

Skills

Drone piloting

FPV flight

Aeronautics

3D printing

Electronics

Prototype testing

Problem solving

Communication

Workshop skills

Job description

As a Drone Test Pilot, you will be responsible for building, preparing, and testing the company’s aircraft prototypes, including fixed-wing drones, copters, and other unmanned aircraft. You will work on the structural and electrical/electronic aspects of aircraft construction, supporting prototype development from assembly through flight testing.

You will conduct maiden flights, endurance and range tests, and other flight trials in both segregated and non-segregated airspace, under VLOS and BVLOS conditions. The role also involves hands-on workshop activities, troubleshooting, and travelling to different test sites to support the development and validation of our systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Build, assemble, and prepare drone prototypes, including fixed-wing aircraft, copters, and other unmanned platforms.
• Work on the structural and electrical/electronic aspects of aircraft construction and integration.
• Conduct maiden flights, endurance and range tests, and other flight trials.
• Operate drones under VLOS and BVLOS conditions, in accordance with applicable regulations and permissions.
• Prepare aircraft, equipment, and test setups for flight activities.
• Support structural testing, troubleshooting, and prototype improvements.
• Perform workshop activities related to aircraft construction, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.
• Travel to different test sites to conduct flight tests and support development activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to communicate test results, identify issues, and improve aircraft performance.

• At least 3 years of demonstrated drone piloting experience, including both fixed-wing aircraft and copters.
• Demonstrated FPV and visual flight experience.
• Strong understanding of aeronautics, drone systems, flight testing, and structural testing.
• EU drone pilot certificate A1/A3 (Dutch dronebewijs) is required. Additional qualifications, such as A2, STS-01, and STS-02, are an advantage.
• Dutch driving license is required.At least 1 year of experience in aeronautical and/or drone testing.
• Experience with workshop activities, including construction, prototyping, manufacturing processes, or workshop management.

Skills & Abilities Required

• Strong practical knowledge of drones and aircraft operations.
• Ownership of tasks and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the team.
• Adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving technical challenges.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to clarify technical requirements with different stakeholders.
• Practical problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of electronics and electrical systems.
• Experience with 3D printing and composite construction.

WhyKRUSHLabs?

Based in Eindhoven, KRUSH Labs is a privately owned R&D, engineering, and prototyping center where multidisciplinary teams develop next-generation solutions in advanced hardware, embedded systems, wireless communication, sensing, autonomous technologies, AI, and software.

We support the complete innovation journey, from research and proof of concept to rapid prototyping, system integration, validation, and manufacturing readiness. When a solution is proven, we help customers bridge the gap from prototype to pilot production and scalable manufacturing.

Join us to solve complex challenges, take ownership of meaningful work, and help turn ambitious ideas into technologies that make a real-world impact.