UAV Test Pilot Nordics

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a defense technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned vehicles that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective – giving NATO and its allies a decisive edge in the most contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today. YOUR MISSION AS A FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER, YOU ARE THE "CONDUCTOR OF THE FLIGHT LINE." DEPENDING ON YOUR SENIORITY, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE END-TO-END LIFECYCLE OF OUR FLIGHT TEST CAMPAIGNS, FROM INITIAL PLANNING AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT TO EXECUTION AND DEEP-DIVE DATA ANALYSIS. Beyond the technical data, you serve as the primary Onsite Leader. You are the person who ensures testing priorities are crystal clear to everyone on the range. You manage the daily tempo, coordinate the crew, and ensure that every person, from pilots to software engineers, knows exactly which tests are being conducted and when. Your mission is to transform raw flight data into actionable insights while maintaining a high-tempo, disciplined, and safe testing environment. RESPONSIBILITIES * ONSITE TEST COORDINATION & LEADERSHIP * Act as the Onsite Test Coordinator: Lead daily operations on the range, ensuring the team stays focused on the primary test objectives. * Clarify Priorities: Maintain and communicate the "Daily Flight Schedule," ensuring everyone knows the sequence of events and current testing priorities. * Lead Briefings: Drive the morning "Pre-Flight Brief" and the evening "Debrief," capturing critical feedback and setting goals for the following day. * Resource Management: Coordinate the availability of airframes, ground support equipment, and personnel to maximize range time efficiency. FLIGHT EXECUTION & SAFETY * Coordinate and execute UAV flight tests in compliance with regulatory requirements and STARK safety standards. * Ensure all flight activities and anomalies are documented with high fidelity. * Develop specific Flight Test Techniques (FTTs) and instrumentation requirements to capture critical performance metrics. * Lead Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR) and contribute to safety review boards. TEST DESIGN & DATA ANALYSIS * Develop comprehensive flight test plans, test cards, and rigorous flight test hazard assessments (FTHA). * Process and analyze flight data using MATLAB or Python to validate system performance against requirements. * Work closely with Ardupilot and PX4-based flight control systems to iterate on flight behavior and performance. * Manage the configuration of flight test articles, ensuring all hardware and software versions are meticulously tracked. QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATIONAL & LEGAL BACKGROUND * Degree: Bachelor’s or higher in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering. * NATO Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a NATO member state (due to export control and security regulations). * Communication: Professional-level written and verbal English. TECHNICAL & LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT * Coordination Skills: Proven ability to lead a technical team on-site, manage schedules, and communicate priorities clearly under pressure. * Data Mastery: Practical experience in data reduction and analysis using MATLAB or Python. * UAV Systems: Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS), telemetry systems, and mission planning tools. * Testing Rigor: Proven ability to plan and conduct system-level tests in an aerospace or defense environment. MINDSET & STYLE * The "General" Mindset: You are naturally organized and can work through ambiguity on the flight line. * Analytical & Decisive: You can analyze a data anomaly quickly and decide whether to continue testing. * Meticulous Documenter: You believe that if it wasn't documented with high fidelity, the test never happened. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Active experience as an FTE or Test Director in crewed or uncrewed aviation. * Hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation (FTI) and DAQ systems. * Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today. YOUR MISSION You will develop and integrate embedded and backend software that runs on our unmanned systems. The work ranges from implementing ROS2 components to supporting hardware bring-up and testing. RESPONSIBILITIES * Develop embedded/back-end software modules for UAV systems * Implement ROS2 nodes, interfaces, and integration logic * Work on embedded Linux platforms and support hardware bring-up * Debug issues across software, firmware, and hardware boundaries * Support system testing and validation with hardware-in-the-loop in real life * Collaborate with Autonomy, Flight Controls, and Hardware teams * Contribute to clean, reliable code and clear documentation QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in C++ development for embedded or robotics systems * Solid background in ROS2 (nodes, topics, services, DDS) * Familiarity with Linux-based development * Understanding of sensors, communication protocols, and integration challenges * Experience with robotics, UAVs, or other mission-critical systems is an advantage * Hands-on mindset; comfortable testing on actual hardware * Nice to have experience of Computer Vision, Sensor Processing and NVIDIA Jetson  * Excellent communication and stakeholder management experience * Native/ Full professional proficiency Swedish or Norwegian  language skills are a must have * You must be eligible for Swedish security clearance (Säkerhetsprövning) and be willing to travel to Germany and other European locations when needed.

SE3 Labs

UAV TEST PILOT Help us get our autonomous systems airborne and pushed to their limits. Turn advanced designs into robust, field-proven, real-world solutions. Early team, deep tech, high impact. ABOUT SE3 SE3 Labs is building Spatial AI by combining 3D computer vision with large language models (LLMs). We believe the ability to reason about and act within physical space is foundational to unlocking the next generation of automation, from construction to smart infrastructure, and ultimately, defense. Now, we’re building the physical platform to bring Spatial AI to life. That means high-performance, real-world robotic systems (starting with UAVs) and we’re looking for a hands-on operator who’s ready to fly, perfect and demonstrate these machines with us. ABOUT THE ROLE As our UAV Test Pilot, you’ll be the central operator flying our entire fleet of autonomous drones. Working as part of our development team, you will be the first to operate new drone and payload prototypes and evaluate them in demanding real-world conditions. Your contribution will determine how well we understand our technology and define the path of our future development. WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON * Prepare & Launch: Integrate and tune new airframes and payloads with the team and bring systems to flight readiness * Fly & Evaluate: Run structured tests across quadcopters, up to three-meter wingspan fixed-wings, and eVTOL platforms * Stress the System: Execute realistic field scenarios and identify performance limits, failure modes, and reliability issues * Improve the Product: Spot bugs and design flaws, and work with engineers to improve performance and robustness * Demonstrate & Train: Demonstrate our systems to partners and end users on our test-base and in the field across Europe. YOUR PROFILE * You’ve completed a technical apprenticeship or training in a relevant technical field * You have substantial hands-on experience assembling, tuning, repairing, and flying drones, whether professionally, in military service, or through serious FPV / builder / enthusiast projects. * You are intimate with Q Ground Control, Ardupilot or PX4 * You bring a diligent and structured approach to flying * You are comfortable travelling, working outdoors in all weather, and operating in the field * You’re skilled in soldering wires and troubleshooting drones * You deliver precision and a systematic approach to communication and problem-solving * You are proactive, willing to improvise and have a strong sense of ownership * Conversational English is a must; German is a strong plus * Driving license class B, BE is a plus ESPECIALLY VALUED BONUS SKILLS * Completed military training and/or understanding of army processes * Regulatory experience (EASA SORA or similar frameworks) * Hands-on repair or tinkering on electronics, radio equipment etc. * Experience running environmental tests like vibration, EMI or thermal, ideally MIL-Spec * Familiarity with CAD and 3D printing PERKS & BENEFITS * Make your passion your job: If you love drones, you will relish this role * AI-boosted workplace: We empower every employee with best-in-class AI tools and agents, giving you unlimited access to the latest advancements and a true productivity edge * Real Ownership: Get early, real stock to participate directly in SE3’s growth * 31 Paid Days Off: 30 vacation days plus your birthday off * Well-being Access: Free membership to gyms, yoga, and wellness through EGYM Wellpass * Team Offsites: We go on 2 company retreats per year, our last ones were in Italy, Greece and Spain * Mentorship: Work closely with experienced engineers and get paired with a professional mentor to support your growth OUR PROCESS 1. Intro Call (20 min): Let’s get to know each other (conducted by Michael, our Chief of Staff) 2. Technical Interview (45 min): A deeper dive into your goals, problem-solving approach and technical understanding (with Francisco, our Founding Drone Engineer) 3. Onsite Trial/Case (2 hrs): We’ll troubleshoot and fly something together, just like on the job (together with our Hardware Team) 4. Team Dinner/Lunch: See if it’s a culture fit on both sides (can be integrated into the Onsite to accommodate long journeys)