Lead Fixed-Wing UAV Pilot & Flight Operations Specialist

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a hands-on UAV pilot to operate fixed-wing aircraft across multiple bases in Europe. You will own mission execution from planning to post-flight analysis, leveraging a strong flight-test mindset and real-time problem solving to ensure safety and performance.

You will work with engineers and mission planners, manage ground control stations and telemetry, and travel for training, test flights, and demonstrations in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and beyond.

Qualifications

• Experience flying fixed-wing UAVs in manual and autonomous modes.
• Hands-on ability with ground control stations and mission systems.
• Valid UAV flight certifications A1, A2, A3, and Specific.
• Knowledge of European airspace regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support fixed-wing UAV missions in various modes (manual, assisted, autonomous).
• Perform pre-flight planning including airspace coordination, weather analysis, system checks and risk assessment.
• Manage ground control stations, datalinks, and communication systems during missions.
• Travel frequently for training, test flights, and demonstrations.
• Collaborate with engineers, mission planners, and data teams to improve aircraft performance and mission workflows.
• Maintain accurate flight logs, checklists, maintenance records, and system documentation.
• Ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance in VLOS and BVLOS operations.

Skills

Fixed-wing UAV flying

Ground control station

Flight test mindset

Telemetry & datalinks

Tools

Telemetry systems

Datalinks

Job description

Destinus is seeking a hands-on UAV pilot to operate fixed-wing aircraft across multiple bases in Europe. You will own mission execution from planning to post-flight analysis, leveraging a strong flight-test mindset and real-time problem solving to ensure safety and performance.

You will work with engineers and mission planners, manage ground control stations and telemetry, and travel for training, test flights, and demonstrations in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and beyond.