Flight Aero & Performance Engineer

About the Role

As a Flight Aero & Performance Engineer, you will be accountable for the entire flight performance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), directly influencing operational effectiveness. Your responsibilities include fine-tuning control and navigation parameters to ensure mission success, learning from field data, and initiating modifications to enhance aircraft performance. This hands-on role demands a robust technical background in aircraft performance, agility to learn, and a strong focus on results and quality delivery. You will report directly to the Chief Engineer.

Destinus is revolutionizing the defense sector by developing cutting-edge UAVs designed to meet modern military operation demands, prioritizing speed, precision, and cost efficiency. We collaborate with global government and defense organizations to deliver innovative, mission-critical aerospace solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain responsibility for aircraft flight performance and mechanics across the entire flight spectrum, from takeoff to landing.
• Lead initiatives to enhance performance by coordinating hardware, software, and aerostructure changes with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Optimize flight control and navigation systems to improve stability, efficiency, and mission success.
• Develop and manage ground and flight testing plans to verify aircraft performance metrics.
• Support R&D flight tests by working closely with prototypes and field test teams.
• Generate comprehensive flight test reports analyzing performance and recommending improvements.
• Examine operational flight data to detect trends, investigate irregularities, and suggest engineering enhancements.
• Collaborate with teams in flight controls, navigation, software, payload integration, and mechanical design to implement continual aircraft improvements across development cycles.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of three years of experience in engineering roles within UAV or aerospace development environments.
• Deep expertise in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance analysis.
• Practical experience with flight control theories and tuning control loops.
• Proven involvement throughout the UAV development lifecycle including design, construction, testing, and flight operations.
• Understanding of manufacturing-driven design approaches, rapid prototyping, and iterative engineering processes.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-tech, results-driven engineering settings.
• Preferably holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Flight Dynamics, or a relevant engineering discipline.

Personal Attributes

You are genuinely passionate about aviation and UAV technologies. Balancing analytical precision with practical, hands-on involvement excites you, whether optimizing flight performance from your workspace or participating in challenging field trials. You learn swiftly, take accountability for complex technical challenges, and contribute effectively within fast-moving multidisciplinary teams. Your attitude includes curiosity, perseverance, and a proactive approach towards continual aircraft performance improvement.