Drone Pilot

JOB PURPOSE The UAV Test Pilot & Flight Operations Specialist will be responsible for the safe operation, testing, evaluation and demonstration of SkyStream's unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAVs). The position will work closely with Engineering, R&D, Production and Business Development teams to conduct prototype testing, flight trials, product demonstrations, operational evaluations and customer acceptance flights. The role requires a strong combination of professional UAV piloting skills, technical understanding, flight-test discipline and safety awareness.

UAV Flight Operations

• Operate multirotor, fixed-wing and VTOL UAV platforms as required.
• Conduct routine, test and demonstration flights in accordance with approved procedures.
• Execute flight missions based on approved flight plans and operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate control of UAVs throughout all stages of flight.
• Monitor telemetry, GPS, battery, communications and other critical flight parameters.
• Conduct pre-flight, during-flight and post-flight checks.

Flight Testing & R&D

• Conduct structured flight tests of new and modified UAV platforms.
• Support Engineering and R&D teams during prototype development and validation.
• Evaluate UAV flight characteristics, stability, endurance, range and operational performance.
• Test new flight-control systems, software, payloads and equipment.
• Record flight-test data and provide technical feedback to Engineering.
• Identify abnormal behaviour, system limitations and potential technical issues.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis following unsuccessful or abnormal test flights.

Product Demonstration

• Conduct UAV demonstrations for customers, partners and authorized visitors.
• Support field trials and customer acceptance testing.
• Demonstrate UAV capabilities, operating procedures and mission functionality.
• Travel within the UAE and internationally for approved demonstrations, testing and exhibitions.

Flight Planning & Safety

• Prepare flight plans, checklists and risk assessments.
• Assess weather, terrain, airspace and operational hazards before each mission.
• Establish appropriate operational and safety zones.
• Ensure safe take-off, flight, landing and recovery procedures.
• Maintain visual awareness and appropriate communication during operations.
• Immediately report accidents, incidents, loss of control or equipment failures.
• Participate in investigation and corrective actions following flight incidents.

UAV Equipment Management

• Conduct inspection of UAV airframes, motors, propellers, batteries, controllers, communication systems and payloads.
• Maintain flight equipment in operational condition.
• Monitor battery condition, charging cycles and equipment readiness.
• Maintain accurate flight hours and equipment usage records.
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams for repairs and preventive maintenance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily flight logs and test records.
• Prepare flight-test reports and operational feedback.
• Document technical issues and abnormal flight conditions.
• Maintain records of UAV configuration, software/firmware and payload used during tests.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Aviation, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace, Electronics, Mechatronics, Robotics or related discipline preferred.

• Professional UAV/Drone Pilot certification or equivalent recognized qualification.

• Valid UAE/GCAA-required certification/authorization for the applicable UAV operations.

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional UAV flying experience.

• Proven experience with at least one of:

  • Fixed-Wing UAV
  • VTOL UAV
  • Multirotor UAV
  • Long-Endurance UAV

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience in any of the following will be highly advantageous:

• Defence / Aerospace
• Military UAV operations
• UAV flight testing
• UAV R&D
• Surveillance and reconnaissance systems
• Autonomous UAV systems
• UAV payload integration
• Ground Control Station (GCS) operations
• Flight simulation and mission-planning software