Flight Test Engineer

About SYOS Aerospace

SYOS Aerospace is a rapidly expanding global leader in robotics and aerospace, specializing in the development of innovative uncrewed vehicles (drones) that operate across air, land, and sea domains for dual-use purposes. The company is dedicated to technological advancement and delivering high-performance products that consistently surpass client expectations.

Role Overview

The Flight Test Engineer plays a crucial role in the success of SYOS’s aircraft development program by supporting the flight test operations. Collaborating closely with the Flight Operations Manager and the broader Flight Operations team, this role involves facilitating flight test activities such as obtaining regulatory approvals, planning flights, coordinating logistics, and overseeing flight tests. Emphasizing regulatory adherence and flight safety, this technically intensive, practical position directly contributes to the development program’s achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Flight Operations team to prepare regulatory documents including Specific Operational Risk Assessments (SORA).
• Liaise with regulatory authorities to secure required approvals within appropriate timeframes.
• Develop and sustain UAS trial plans detailing goals, success metrics, and test documentation.
• Set up UAS hardware, software, and mission-specific payloads for testing purposes.
• Supervise trial activities by managing planning, logistics, and ensuring flight safety.
• Gather, analyse, and process data following flights to evaluate performance against objectives; document anomalies and recommend remedies.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and enforce safety measures.
• Ensure all flights comply with UAS regulations and maintain necessary certifications.
• Coordinate airspace permissions, range bookings, and maintain communication with regulators, air traffic control, and range safety officers for flight authorization.
• Prepare formal test reports, present findings during debriefings, and update knowledge bases with lessons learned.
• Promote continuous improvement through analyzing past trials and mentoring junior engineering staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
• Between 2 and 4+ years’ experience in UAS operations, flight testing, engineering trials, systems integration, defense, or related aerospace sectors.
• Experience working alongside flight operations teams during VLOS, EVLOS, and BVLOS operations.
• Demonstrated experience with flight trials on both fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms, including up to Group 4 UAS.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Engage in a stimulating and fast-moving environment, working with cutting-edge UxV technologies.
• Access growth opportunities within an innovative, high-technology team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Continuous professional development and learning opportunities.
• Visa sponsorship available for international hires.

Location

This opportunity is located in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, a region celebrated for its excellent quality of life, beautiful surfing beaches, an energetic cultural atmosphere, and a growing technological community, offering an inspiring setting for innovation.