Flight Test Engineer

SYOS Aerospace; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Career growth

Continuous learning

Competitive salary

Job summary

SYOS Aerospace in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support our aircraft development program. You will work with the Flight Operations Manager to plan, execute, and document flight tests, navigate regulatory approvals, and ensure flight safety and compliance.

You'll configure UAS hardware and payloads, coordinate test planning and logistics, analyse post-flight data, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 2–4+ years in UAS operations, flight test, engineering trials, systems integration, defence, or related aerospace field.
• Experience with VLOS, EVLOS, and BVLOS operations; familiarity with fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms up to Group 4 UAS.

Responsibilities

• Develop regulatory documentation (SORA and similar) with the Flight Operations team.
• Secure regulators’ approvals within suitable timeframes.
• Develop and maintain UAS trial plans with objectives and success criteria.
• Configure UAS hardware, software, and payloads for trials.
• Manage trial activity, including planning, logistics and flight safety.
• Collect, process, and analyse post-flight data; document anomalies and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct risk assessments and enforce safety protocols.
• Ensure flights comply with UAS regulations and maintain certifications.
• Coordinate airspace permissions, range bookings, and liaise with regulators and ATC.
• Compile test reports and update lessons learned repository.
• Drive continuous improvement by analysing past flight data and mentoring junior engineers.

Skills

UAS operations

Flight test coordination

Regulatory understanding

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering

Job description

SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.

About The Role

This role is pivotal to the success of the flight test program at SYOS, ensuring the success of our aircraft development program. Working with the Flight Operations Manager and the wider Flight Operations team, the Flight Test Engineer will enable flight test activity, which will include securing regulatory approvals, flight planning, logistical coordination, and flight test oversight. With a strong focus on regulatory compliance and flight safety, this is a technically demanding, hands-on role where the quality of your work directly enables the success of our aircraft development program.

Key Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the wider Flight Operations team, develop regulatory documentation, including but not limited to Specific Operational Risk Assessments (SORA).
• Work with regulators to secure relevant approvals in suitable timeframes.
• Develop and maintain UAS trial plans, including objectives, success criteria, and test documentation.
• Configure UAS hardware, software, and mission-specific payloads for each trial.
• Manage trial activity, overseeing trial planning, logistics and flight safety.
• Collect, process, and analyse post-flight data to verify performance against objectives. Document anomalies, discrepancies, and performance shortfalls, then recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct risk assessments, implement mitigation measures, and enforce safety protocols.
• Ensure all flights comply with relevant UAS regulations and maintain required certifications.
• Coordinate logistics for airspace permissions, range bookings, and liaise with regulatory authorities, air traffic control, and range safety officers to secure flight authorisations.
• Compile formal test reports, present findings during debriefs, and update the lessons learned repository.
• Drive continuous improvement by analysing past trial data and mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 2–4+ years in UAS operations, flight test, engineering trials, systems integration, defence, or a related aerospace field.
• Worked alongside flight operations teams during VLOS, EVLOS, and BVLOS operations.
• Proven experience undertaking trials with both fixed wing and multi-rotor platforms, up to Group 4 UAS.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-paced environment working on state-of-the-art UxV technology.
• Opportunities for career growth in a high-tech, innovative team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Visa sponsorship for international candidates.

Location

This position is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Known for its stunning surf beaches, vibrant culture, and burgeoning tech scene, Mount Maunganui offers an excellent quality of life and a conducive environment for innovation.