Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

FLIR Systems, Inc.; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Teledyne FLIR in Orem, Utah is seeking an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This detail‑oriented, self‑directed role requires autonomy and the ability to translate test flights into design improvements.

You will work with developmental engineers and program leadership to plan and execute test flights, validate sensors and airframes, and ensure safety and airspace compliance for both fielded and developmental drones.

Qualifications

• BS in ME, EE, CE or equivalent engineering experience.
• FAA part 107 qualified or equivalent pilot rating a plus.
• Familiar with computer programming and software development methods.
• 5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.
• 2+ years of experience supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, commercial prototype environments).

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early‑stage development.
• Conduct pre‑flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.
• Serve as pilot‑in‑command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi‑autonomous missions, with rapid decision‑making authority in‑flight.
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans that validate novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes.
• Translate pilot feedback into system updates—particularly around control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.
• Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback loops to avionics and autonomy teams.
• Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of Pixhawk‑based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.

Skills

UAV flight operations

Autonomy testing

Test planning & execution

System integration

Education

BS in ME/EE/CE or equivalent engineering experience

Tools

Pixhawk flight stacks

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Telemetry systems

Airspace coordination

Job description

Be visionary Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research. We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

At Teledyne FLIR - Orem, we design and manufacture high-quality drones to carry the best sensors into the toughest environments. Our extensive history includes working alongside organizations including U.S. Army, Marines, and US DOD Special Operations Community. We embrace cutting edge innovative technologies and design concepts to bring new capabilities to our warfighters. As an original equipment manufacturer of Drones (UAS), we are at the forefront of new American engineering and manufacturing technologies. The foundation of our company is the drive to build superior UAS through engineering excellence. You can expect diverse challenges that will require you to be agile and innovative in your work. You can also expect to be on a small team that strives to meet these challenges together. UAS development and the UAS market is still young and constantly changing. Your work will be varied and innovative by nature.

Job Summary

Teledyne FLIR is looking for an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This person must be a detail oriented, self-directed individual, and be able to operate with a high degree of autonomy. This person will develop and execute test programs associated with both fielded and developmental military drones. We expect this person to have previous experience with test activities. This person must be able to commute daily to Orem, Utah for onsite work. The ideal candidate combines technical flight knowledge with hands‑on engineering intuition, and has deep familiarity with Pixhawk flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination.

You will work alongside developmental engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and insightful flight testing in both controlled and expeditionary environments. This is not a drone operator role—it’s a systems-level test pilot position intended for a professional who understands the why behind every airframe maneuver and the how of translating test flights into actionable design improvements.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early‑stage development.
• Conduct pre‑flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.
• Serve as pilot‑in‑command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi‑autonomous missions, with rapid decision‑making authority in‑flight.
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans that validate novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes.
• Translate pilot feedback into system updates—particularly around control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.
• Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback loops to avionics and autonomy teams.
• Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of Pixhawk‑based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.
• Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS (Ground Control Station) operation.
• Use companion tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom GCS interfaces.
• Experience with configuring and installing components: motors, props, ESC, batteries, etc.

Job Qualifications

• BS in ME, EE, CE or similar field – or equivalent engineering experience and mind set.
• FAA part 107 qualified or equivalent pilot rating a plus.
• Familiar with computer programming and software development methods.
• 5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.
• 2+ years of experience supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, commercial prototype environments).
• Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee or must be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

You may not realize it, but Teledyne enables many of the products and services you use every day. Teledyne provides enabling technologies to sense, transmit and analyze information for industrial growth markets, including aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, energy, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.