Flight Test Engineer: UAS Trials & Compliance

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 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.