Senior Flight Test & Demonstration Pilot

NIF; Leiria, Caldas da Rainha, Ponte de Sor; Remote; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal allowance

Health insurance

Shuttle transport to offices

Bonus

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The NIF portfolio seeks a Senior Flight Test & Demonstration Pilot to fly test sorties and demonstrate TEKEVER platforms to customers and partners. You will keep aircraft mission-ready as Remote Pilot and Line Maintenance Technician, in safety-first, high-demand environments.

This is a hands-on role requiring calmness under pressure, strong situational awareness, and willingness to travel to support customers and regulators. You will mentor colleagues and contribute to product improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as remote pilot or pilot in command of UAS or other aircraft.
• Hands-on line maintenance experience on UAS or other aircraft.
• Safety-first mindset and strong decision-making under pressure.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, fly and debrief test and demonstration missions in line with approved plans and risk assessments.
• Deliver professional demonstration flights for customers, partners and regulators.
• Perform line maintenance on TEKEVER platforms per procedures.
• Monitor aircraft behavior and respond to failures or unexpected conditions.
• Keep accurate records and follow safety standards.
• Provide feedback to engineering and product teams to improve platforms.
• Mentor junior pilots on safe operating practices.

Skills

Advanced English (C2)

Calm under pressure

Safety-first mindset

Situational awareness

Willingness to travel

Education

A1/A3 and A2 certificates (CAA/EASA)

Pilot licence (LAPL, PPL, HPL or equivalent)

Flight test or engineering qualification

Job description

The NIF backs the companies building the next generation of defence, security and resilience technology.These are their open roles

Why This Matters — These are not ordinary technology jobs. The companies in the NIF portfolio arebuilding capabilities that Allied nations depend on — and they are hiring the people who will make thatpossible.

Note: Roles listed here are with the NIF portfolio companies, not with NATO Innovation Funddirectly.

Join our Flight Test & Demonstration team as a Senior Flight Test & Demonstration Pilot. You will fly test sorties, showcase TEKEVER platforms to customers and partners, and keep our aircraft mission-ready as both Remote Pilot and Line Maintenance Technician.

This is a hands-on role in dynamic, sometimes demanding environments. We are looking for someone who takes safety seriously, stays calm under pressure and wants to help make our products better.

What will be your responsibilities?

• Plan, brief, fly and debrief test and demonstration missions in line with approved plans and risk assessments;
• Deliver professional demonstration flights for customers, partners and regulators;
• Perform line maintenance on TEKEVER platforms in accordance with approved procedures;
• Monitor aircraft behavior and respond decisively to failures or unexpected conditions;
• Keep accurate records and operate in line with regulations, company procedures and safety standards;
• Give clear, practical feedback to engineering and product teams to improve our platforms;
• Mentor junior pilots and colleagues on safe operating practices and good flying technique.

Profile and requirements

Location: Portugal;

Language: Advanced English (C2). Portuguese, Spanish or French is a plus;

Proven experience as a remote pilot or pilot in command of UAS or other aircraft, with strong handling skills and discipline;

Hands-on line maintenance experience on UAS or other aircraft;

Calm, sound decision-making and strong situational awareness under pressure;

A safety-first, team-oriented mindset, with ownership of your work and openness to feedback;

Confident working hands-on and presenting to customers, with willingness to travel when required.

Nice to have

Experience in flight testing, demonstrations or operational aviation;

Experience with fixed-wing, VTOL or long-endurance UAS;

A1/A3 and A2 certificates (CAA/EASA) or STS/specific category experience;

Pilot licence (LAPL, PPL, HPL or equivalent), or flight test or engineering qualification.

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)

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