UAS Test Engineer

At Alpine Eagle, we are a team of specialists with backgrounds in defence, aerospace engineering and machine learning, building the first airborne, swarm-based system to provide protection against the rising drone threat. We believe that recent conflicts have shown the malicious and disruptive potential of drones in both civilian and defense scenarios. In addition, we are convinced that the next step in counter-drone is air-to-air. We want to ensure that all governments and institutions that believe in personal freedom and the rule of law have cutting edge solutions to protect against this rising threat. We offer a work environment that is inclusive and open, with a flat hierarchy, and a purpose-driven team. We want to reinforce a culture where great ideas can flourish, and great people collaborate.   We are seeking a hands-on and motivated Flight Test Engineer to support unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight testing in support of our Counter-UAS systems. You will be at the front lines of system validation - working closely with hardware, software, and mission teams to plan, execute, and evaluate test flights of drone systems and their intercept capabilities.   🎯 How you will make an impact: * Develop, plan, conduct and report on comprehensive flight test campaigns for UAV and counter-UAS systems, from concept validation through operational evaluation. * Define test objectives, methodologies, procedures, and success criteria to verify system performance, reliability, and safety. * Analyze flight test data to assess performance, identify root causes of anomalies, and drive corrective actions in collaboration with engineering teams. * Produce clear test documentation, maintaining configuration control and traceability throughout the test campaign. * Ensure compliance with applicable aviation regulations, safety standards, and company flight test processes. * Support operational evaluation, product acceptance testing and customer demonstrations. * Occasionally travel to remote test ranges as required. ✅ What you need to be successful: * Experience in flight test engineering, flight operations, systems validation, or verification and testing of UAV, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems. * Demonstrated experience designing and executing structured test programs and translating requirements into test procedures and acceptance criteria. * Strong understanding of flight control systems, avionics, autonomy, navigation, and vehicle performance evaluation. * Experience analyzing flight data, telemetry, and test results using engineering tools and methodologies. * Working knowledge of UAV integration, including sensors, payloads, communications systems, and mission equipment. * Familiarity with risk management, flight safety processes, and aviation regulatory frameworks. * Ability to work effectively in hands-on field environments while maintaining engineering rigor and attention to detail. * Excellent technical communication and reporting skills. Preferred Qualifications * EASA remote pilot competency certificate or equivalent drone operations qualification. * Experience with RF communications, telemetry systems, electronic warfare, counter-UAS technologies, or related mission systems. * Experience supporting government or defense programs. * Military service or operational military experience.   At Alpine Eagle, we are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY * Develop and maintain comprehensive flight test procedures, test cards and risk assessments in alignment with engineering requirements and safety protocols * Monitor flight and ground tests, ensuring traceability to requirements and regulatory objectives * Prepare comprehensive test reports and compliance documentation suitable for submission to EASA / FAA and other authorities * Support SORA and SAIL compliance activities, including operational risk assessment validation and contingency procedure verification * Collaborate with systems, avionics, and mechanical teams to align test activities with program-level compliance objectives * Maintain rigorous configuration control, data integrity, and documentation standards * Support authority engagement by providing clear compliance evidence and responding to findings or clarifications * Prepare flight test orders and coordinate test readiness with pilots, aircrew, remote operators, ground crew, and engineering teams * Act as Telemetry Controller during test campaigns, monitoring real-time data and providing mission support YOUR PROFILE * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent) * Strong background in flight mechanics, avionics, and systems integration * 5+ years of experience in aerospace test engineering with a focus on compliance verification * Proven track record of defining and executing test plans and producing compliance documentation for regulatory authorities * Solid knowledge of EASA certification frameworks (CS-27/29 or SC-Light UAS) and SORA/SAIL processes * Experience with flight test planning, safety processes, telemetry, and instrumentation * Strong documentation and communication skills, with ability to translate test outcomes into compliance evidence * Ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. * Fluent in english – written and spoken * Experience with M365 (Sharepoint, Outlook, Teams)  * A strong can-do/will-do attitude NICE-TO-HAVES * Experience with UAV flight testing under EASA oversight * Knowledge of test data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, etc.). * Knowledge of certification processes and regulatory frameworks (EASA, FAA, military, or equivalent) * Experience with safety assessments (FHA, PSSA, FMEA, FTA) * Prior involvement in audits or compliance reviews with authorities. * Hands-on experience with SIL/HIL environments, ground control stations, and payload integration * Experience with Jira, Confluence * German: B2 - Upper Intermediate language WHAT'S IN FOR YOU * An emerging game-changer in uncrewed aviation  * To be part of a high-tech company that is at the forefront of advancing drone technology and innovation  * A team of over 50 people from (currently) 12 nations and cultures with great team events  * A dynamic, motivated, hands-on and international working environment  * Transparent communication at eye level and open feedback culture with short communication lines  * Flexible working models with 20% mobile office option  * Unlimited space for entrepreneurial thinking and participation  * Office space and production facilities with good connections to public transport  * Well-known and international customers, suppliers and partners  * Steep learning curves and trusting mentorship  * 360° insight and 100% involvement in the processes and development steps of our drones  * 25 paid vacation days per year