Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

About this role

Allen Control Systems, a defense startup building autonomous drone-detection systems, seeks an experienced flight test engineer and pilot to plan and execute flight tests of high-performance fixed-wing UAVs. This part-time contract role (up to 15 hours/week) involves hands-on piloting, regulatory compliance, and test site coordination, with potential to transition to full-time.

What you'll do

• Manually pilot high-performance fixed-wing UAVs in FPV and line-of-sight modes; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go decisions
• Serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command and lead flight operations under Part 107 regulations
• Identify, secure, and coordinate suitable test locations with landowners and authorities
• Develop flight plans, safety procedures, and operational protocols for each test event
• Provide post-flight performance feedback on airframe and controller behavior to engineering team
• Design and implement safe takeoff, flight, and landing procedures

What they're looking for

• High-performance fixed-wing UAV piloting (FPV and line-of-sight)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with active business operations experience
• Flight operations and safety planning
• Risk assessment and independent decision-making
• Airspace authorization and permitting (LAANC familiarity preferred)
• Telemetry and flight control data interpretation
• Aerospace or defense systems knowledge

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Flexible part-time contract (up to 15 hours/week)
• Potential conversion to full-time as flight cadence increases
• Work with cutting-edge autonomous systems technology
• Backed by experienced founders with proven track record