Junior Drone Test and Operations Engineer

Drone Test & Operations Engineer

Entry-Level Drone Operations, Flight Testing & Data Recording

About Us

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our team develops mission-critical systems that combine hardware, software, sensing, and real-time robotics to operate reliably in complex real-world environments.

Operating in stealth mode, we place strong emphasis on engineering rigor, real-world testing, and disciplined validation of complex systems.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Drone Test & Operations Engineer to support the building, calibration, piloting, and data recording of drones used in live tests and system validation.

This is an entry-level role for a motivated, technically curious person who wants to learn quickly and work hands-on with real drone hardware. Prior professional drone operations experience is not required. We are open to newcomers who bring strong motivation, practical aptitude, diligence, and a willingness to build technical expertise on the job.

You will work with custom FPV drones and fixed-wing drones, supporting flight preparation, maintenance, calibration, test execution, telemetry collection, RGB video recording, and GPS log handling. You will help create repeatable flight tests and support controlled outdoor test activities.

The role is fully onsite in Berlin and requires an EU citizenship. German citizenship is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Drone Building, Setup & Calibration

• Build, assemble, repair, and maintain custom FPV drones and fixed-wing drone platforms
• Support installation and calibration of motors, flight controllers, radio systems, cameras, batteries, and related components
• Perform pre-flight checks, configuration checks, and basic functional validation before tests
• Assist with tuning and configuration of drone systems using tools such as Betaflight or comparable platforms
• Keep drone hardware, spare parts, batteries, tools, and test equipment organized and ready for use

Flight Operations & Live Testing

• Pilot or support piloting of drones during controlled outdoor test activities and test range operations
• Support flight test planning, test setup, safety preparation, and operational readiness checks
• Execute repeatable flight profiles for system validation and data collection
• Coordinate closely with engineering teams during live tests to ensure useful, structured data is captured
• Support post-test inspection and basic troubleshooting of drone platforms

Data Recording & Test Documentation

• Capture telemetry, RGB video, GPS logs, and flight profile data during test activities
• Organize, label, and transfer recorded test data for engineering analysis
• Document test conditions, flight behavior, issues, and observations clearly
• Support creation of repeatable procedures for drone-based data collection
• Help improve test checklists, flight logs, and operational documentation over time

Safety, Airspace & Compliance

• Support safe execution of drone operations in controlled, non-public test environments
• Own and improve basic air safety procedures for drone tests, under guidance from senior team members
• Obtain and maintain the required EU drone pilot license if not already held
• Follow battery safety, workshop safety, radio safety, and operational procedures with discipline
• Escalate safety concerns early and contribute to a strong safety culture around live tests

Required Qualifications

• Strong motivation to learn drone operations, FPV systems, and hands-on technical testing
• Practical interest in drones, robotics, electronics, mechanical systems, or related technical fields
• Basic hands-on skills with tools, assembly, soldering, wiring, or technical troubleshooting
• Ability to work carefully, follow procedures, and document observations clearly
• Willingness to obtain the required EU drone pilot license
• Comfortable working fully onsite in Berlin and supporting controlled outdoor field tests
• EU citizenship is required; German citizenship is preferred
• Reliable, safety-conscious working style and ability to learn under real test conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building, repairing, or flying FPV drones
• Experience with fixed-wing drones or other unmanned aerial systems
• Familiarity with Betaflight, flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radio systems, batteries, antennas, or onboard cameras
• Experience capturing telemetry, RGB video, GPS logs, or flight test data
• Existing EU drone pilot license or comparable drone operations qualification
• Basic experience with Linux, Python, data handling, or log analysis
• Experience from hobby FPV, drone racing, university projects, maker labs, robotics clubs, or technical vocational training

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• VSOP / equity participation
• Central Berlin office
• Extreme growth opportunity in a fast-scaling startup
• Holiday allowance
• Monthly voucher
• Public transportation subsidies

Who You Are

• Eager to learn: You may be early in your career, but you are motivated to become excellent at drone operations and technical testing
• Hands-on: You enjoy building, calibrating, flying, repairing, and improving real hardware
• Careful and safety-conscious: You understand that live tests require discipline, preparation, and attention to detail
• Reliable: You follow procedures, show up prepared, and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Curious: You want to understand how drones behave, why systems fail, and how to improve them
• Practical: You are comfortable solving real-world problems with tools, data, and structured observation
• Mission-aligned: You are motivated by contributing to technology with real-world relevance