Job Application for UAV Pilot / GCS Operator - Production & Validation (All Genders) at SKD SE

Your Mission

As a UAV Pilot / GCS Operator, your mission is to be the final gatekeeper of quality and safety. Working alongside Flight Test Engineers, you will lead the execution and reporting of production flight tests. Your role is to ensure that every system leaving our facility meets our rigorous performance standards and design specifications.

You will spend your days at the intersection of production and operations, monitoring live telemetry, validating autonomous behaviors, and providing the engineering team with the data they need to iterate. You aren't just operating a drone; you are certifying a capability that will be deployed in the world's most demanding environments.

Resposible

Production Flight Execution

Conduct remote piloting and GCS operation for production-level unmanned aircraft.
Execute standardized flight test programmes with high repeatability and precision to validate system performance.
Monitor live telemetry and onboard video streams in real-time, ensuring flight conditions remain within the test envelope.
Coordinate with observers and test engineers to maintain safe, efficient operations in a collaborative team environment.

System Preparation & Maintenance

Perform pre-flight configurations, control link verifications, and comprehensive functional system checks.
Assist in the ground verification of flight-critical hardware and software before takeoff.
Maintain rigorous logbook standards and regulatory recordkeeping for every airframe tested.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

Act as the tactical lead for airspace monitoring and deconfliction in accordance with SORA and EASA requirements.
Respond decisively to flight anomalies and emergency situations by following established safety protocols.
Contribute to the evolution of pilot training materials, safety documentation, and operational procedures.

Your First 12 Months

Timeframe	Focus
Month 0–1: Learn & Align	Complete STARK flight safety induction. Get hands-on with our GCS software and internal production standards. Shadow senior pilots during production runs.
Month 1–3: Standard Operations	Begin executing independent production test cards. Master the pre-flight and post-flight documentation workflow. Provide your first technical feedback on system behavior.
Month 3–6: Operational Mastery	Own the production flight schedule for specific airframe batches. Support BVLOS test campaigns and contribute to risk assessment updates for new test sites.
Month 6–12: Path to Seniority	Mentor junior GCS operators. Assist in the validation of new autopilot tuning (Ardupilot/PX4) and begin the development pathway toward the Test Pilot role.

Required Skills

Experience & Certifications

Valid EU A1/A3 and A2 Remote Pilot Certificates (EASA).
Valid radio operator certificate (e.g., BZF) or willingness to obtain one.
Proven experience with professional GCS software, mission planning tools, and telemetry monitoring.
Familiarity with flight safety protocols, particularly under BVLOS conditions.
Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations).

Technical Background

High degree of comfort with structured, high-discipline test procedures.
Ability to maintain deep situational awareness during long test sessions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Familiarity with regulatory recordkeeping and post-flight documentation.

Mindset & Style

Precision-Oriented: You find satisfaction in repeatability and "doing it right every time."
Reliable: You are the person the team trusts to handle a $100k+ asset with care and discipline.
Agile: You can pivot quickly when weather or production schedules shift.

Bonus Skills

Previous experience as an RPIC for experimental drone testing.
Practical knowledge of Ardupilot or PX4 autopilot systems.
Background in military UAV operations or the defense sector.

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UAV Pilot / GCS Operator - Production & Validation (All Genders)