Drone Pilot

About this opportunity

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. 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