Safety Pilot

Tekever; Caldas da Rainha; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal allowance

Health insurance for employees

Shuttle transport to Leiria, Caldas da

Shuttle transport to offices

Bonus in line with company policy

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Tekever is seeking a Safety Pilot to join the Flight Test & Demonstration team in Portugal. You will support safe flight tests, demonstrations and UAS operations across Tekever platforms, working with Remote Pilots and flight crews to monitor operations and mitigate risks.

You will fly systems using RC transmitters, conduct manual handling and evaluate aircraft performance, and contribute feedback on aircraft behaviour to improve Tekever products. Travel to support operations may be required.

Qualifications

• RC piloting experience is required.
• Advanced English proficiency (C2) is required; other languages are a plus.
• Strong situational awareness and decision-making能力.

Responsibilities

• Support safe execution of flight tests, demonstrations, and UAS operations with RPIC and flight crew.
• Fly the system using RC transmitter; perform manual handling and evaluate aircraft performance.
• Monitor flight operations and environment, identify hazards and mitigate risks.
• Assist pre-flight planning, risk assessments, aircraft inspections, and post-flight debriefings.
• Provide real-time support during flight operations and respond to system failures or hazards.
• Ensure operations comply with regulations and safety standards.
• Maintain records of flights, incidents and safety-related events.
• Provide feedback to engineering and product teams for improvement.

Skills

RC piloting

Advanced English (C2)

Situational awareness

Calm under pressure

Travel willingness

Job description

As a Safety Pilot within our Flight Test & Demonstration team, you will play a critical role in the safe execution of flight tests, demonstrations and operational missions across TEKEVER platforms.

You will work closely with Remote Pilots and Flight Test teams, monitoring flight operations, identifying and mitigating risks, and taking appropriate action when required to maintain safe operations. You will operate in dynamic and challenging environments, where sound judgement, situational awareness and the ability to respond quickly are essential. We are looking for candidates with proven RC pilot experience, as it underpins the instinctive handling skills and quick reactions this role demands.

You will also contribute directly to the improvement of TEKEVER products by providing practical feedback on aircraft performance, handling, limitations and operational behaviour observed during testing and demonstrations.

What will be your responsibilities?

• Support the safe execution of flight tests, demonstrations and UAS operations, working closely with the RPIC and flight crew;
• Fly the system directly using the RC (radio-controlled) transmitter for testing purposes, including manual handling and performance evaluation of the aircraft;
• Monitor flight operations and the surrounding environment, identifying hazards and taking appropriate action to mitigate risk;
• Support pre-flight planning, risk assessments, aircraft inspections and post-flight debriefings;
• Monitor aircraft behaviour and performance during flight, identifying anomalies, limitations or potential safety concerns;
• Provide real-time support during flight operations, including responding to system failures, unexpected conditions or other operational hazards;
• Ensure flight activities are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, company procedures and safety standards;
• Maintain accurate records of flights, incidents, observations and safety-related events;
• Provide operational and flight-test feedback to engineering and product teams to support continuous improvement of TEKEVER platforms;
• Support the development and continuous improvement of flight test and demonstration procedures;
• Maintain your own currency and competency across the TEKEVER platforms relevant to your role;
• Support and mentor UAS operators and other team members on safe operating practices and risk mitigation.

Profile and requirements

• Location: Portugal
• Language: Advanced English proficiency, with proven fluency at C2 level. Portuguese, Spanish or French is a plus;
• Strong situational awareness, decision-making and communication skills;
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in dynamic and potentially high-pressure flight environments;
• Comfortable working hands-on in flight test and demonstration environments;
• Willingness to travel and support flight operations and demonstrations when required.

Nice to have

• Aviation experience, including ground school and live flying experience on any type of aircraft;
• Experience in flight testing, flight demonstrations or operational aviation;
• Knowledge of meteorology (MET) and airspace operations;
• A1/A3 certificates (CAA/EASA);
• A2 Certificate of Competence;
• Pilot licence (LAPL, PPL, HPL or equivalent);
• Good level of Maths and Physics;
• Engineering qualification or licence.

What we have to offer you

• A dynamic and collaborative working environment, with the opportunity to make a real impact
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your proven level of experience
• Meal allowance and health insurance for employees
• Shuttle transport service to the offices in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha and Ponte de Sor
• Bonus in line with company policy
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)