Drone Systems Test Engineer – Autonomy & Flight

Teledyne FLIR; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Teledyne FLIR in Orem, Utah is seeking an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This role requires a detail-oriented, self-directed engineer who can operate with autonomy and execute test programs for both fielded and developmental drones.

You will work with Pixhawk flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination, collaborating with autonomy teams to translate flight data into design improvements.

Qualifications

• BS in ME/EE/CE or related field.
• FAA Part 107 or equivalent pilot rating preferred.
• 5+ years UAV flight experience with safe autonomous flight.
• 2+ years supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, commercial).

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 PIC or safety pilot for autonomous missions with in-flight decision making.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop test plans validating novel sensors and software behaviors.
• Translate pilot feedback into system updates, focusing on control algorithms and tuning.
• Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback.
• Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of Pixhawk-based platforms; modify parameters.
• Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS operation.
• Use Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom GCS interfaces.

Skills

FAA Part 107

Programming familiarity

UAV flight experience

Autonomy testing

Education

BS in ME/EE/CE or related field

Job description

Teledyne FLIR in Orem, Utah is seeking an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This role requires a detail-oriented, self-directed engineer who can operate with autonomy and execute test programs for both fielded and developmental drones.

You will work with Pixhawk flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination, collaborating with autonomy teams to translate flight data into design improvements.