UAV Test Pilot

Senior UAV Test Pilot position at Dufour Aerospace AG in Dübendorf. The role focuses on safely conducting prototype and experimental flights, performing risk assessments, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure flight safety and data accuracy.

Dufour Aerospace AG is seeking a Senior UAV Test Pilot to lead the safe execution of prototype and experimental unmanned aerial vehicle flights. The position requires conducting operations beyond standard envelopes while adhering to strict test plans and risk assessments, ensuring all activities comply with approved PDRA or SORA frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conducting prototype and experimental UAV flights safely, ensuring compliance with approved PDRA or SORA requirements.
• Executing flights outside the standard operational envelope based on established test plans and risk assessments.
• Performing precise test maneuvers, collecting flight data, and sharing findings with engineering and safety teams.
• Developing and executing test cards, conducting risk and safety assessments for non-standard operations, and implementing necessary mitigations before flight.
• Exercising full authority over the aircraft during test flights, including the power to reject or stop a flight if safety cannot be guaranteed.
• Analyzing in-flight data to ensure safe operations, determine safety margins, and establish knock-it-off criteria.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to define test objectives, flight conditions, and performance expectations, and providing feedback.
• Taking responsibility for the preparation and continuing airworthiness of aircraft, coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams.
• Supporting the continuous development of flight test procedures and safety practices.

Requirements

• Extensive RC/UAV flight experience, including experimental or test flying.
• Strong knowledge of flight test principles, risk management, and UAV regulations (EASA/FAA or equivalent).
• Experience conducting flights outside the AFM or operational envelope.
• Background in engineering (aeronautical, mechanical, systems etc.) or equivalent.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, safety, and test management teams.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and reporting skills.
• Strong situational awareness and the ability to make critical safety decisions in dynamic conditions.

What the company offers

• Flexible working hours.
• Tea, coffee and snacks provided.
• Free community lunches organised from time to time.