Flight Test Engineer (a)

SwissDrones Operating AG in Buchs, CH, seeks a Senior Flight Test Engineer to develop and maintain flight test procedures, risk assessments, and compliance documentation aligned with EASA and SORA/SAIL standards. The role involves collaboration with engineering teams and support for regulatory submissions, with a hybrid work model and 25 vacation days offered.

This role focuses on creating and maintaining flight test procedures, risk assessments, and compliance documentation in line with engineering and safety standards. It supports SORA and SAIL compliance, including validating operational risk assessments and contingency procedures, and requires coordination with systems, avionics, and mechanical teams to meet program-level compliance goals.

Responsibilities

• Create and update flight test procedures, test cards, and risk assessments based on engineering needs and safety standards
• Oversee flight and ground tests, ensuring all activities are traceable to requirements and regulatory goals
• Compile detailed test reports and compliance documentation for submission to EASA, FAA, and other authorities
• Assist with SORA and SAIL compliance, including validating risk assessments and verifying contingency procedures
• Work with systems, avionics, and mechanical teams to align test efforts with overall program compliance objectives
• Maintain strict configuration control, data integrity, and documentation practices
• Support interactions with regulatory authorities by providing clear compliance evidence and responding to requests
• Prepare flight test orders and coordinate test readiness with pilots, aircrew, remote operators, ground crew, and engineering staff
• Serve as Telemetry Controller during test campaigns, monitoring live data and supporting mission operations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in aerospace test engineering, focusing on compliance verification
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute test plans and generate compliance documentation for regulatory bodies
• Strong understanding of EASA certification frameworks (CS-27/29 or SC-Light UAS) and SORA/SAIL processes
• Experience in flight test planning, safety protocols, telemetry, and instrumentation
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, capable of translating test results into compliance evidence
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with various stakeholders
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Proficiency with M365 (Sharepoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Proactive and results-driven mindset

Nice to have

• Prior experience in UAV flight testing under EASA oversight
• Familiarity with test data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB
• Knowledge of certification processes and regulatory frameworks (EASA, FAA, military, or similar)
• Experience with safety assessments including FHA, PSSA, FMEA, or FTA
• Involvement in audits or compliance reviews with regulatory authorities
• Hands-on experience with SIL/HIL environments, ground control stations, and payload integration
• Experience using Jira and Confluence
• German language skills at B2 (Upper Intermediate) level

What the company offers

• Opportunity to join an emerging leader in uncrewed aviation
• Participation in a high-tech company pioneering drone technology and innovation
• Collaborative team of over 50 people from 12 different nations and cultures, with regular team events
• Dynamic, motivated, hands-on, and international work environment
• Transparent communication, open feedback culture, and short decision-making lines
• Flexible hybrid work model with 20% mobile office option
• Encouragement of entrepreneurial thinking and active participation in projects
• Modern office and production facilities with good access to public transport
• Engagement with well-known international clients, suppliers, and partners
• Rapid learning opportunities and supportive mentorship
• Full visibility and involvement in all stages of drone development
• 25 paid vacation days per year

About the company

SwissDrones Operating AG is a high-tech company at the forefront of uncrewed aviation innovation. With a diverse team of over 50 people from 12 nations, the company fosters a dynamic, hands-on, and international work environment. It emphasizes transparency, open feedback, and flexible working models, while offering deep involvement in drone development and strong mentorship for growth.

• Emerging leader in uncrewed aviation
• High-tech innovation in drone technology
• Diverse team from 12 nations with team events
• Dynamic, motivated, hands-on, and international work environment
• Transparent communication and open feedback culture
• Flexible hybrid work model with 20% mobile office option
• Encouragement of entrepreneurial thinking and participation
• Modern office and production facilities with good public transport access
• Collaboration with well-known international partners
• Steep learning curves and supportive mentorship
• Full involvement in drone development processes