Test Pilot: Fixed Wing Uavs and Drones

**Job Information**:
Industry

**Defence**
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Work Experience

**1-3 years**
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City

**Bangalore**
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State/Province

**Karnataka**
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Country

**India**
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Zip/Postal Code

**560036**
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Who we are and what we're looking for:
Okulo Aerospace is an early-stage startup based out of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Combining renewable energy and precision engineering, we are currently developing solar-electric hybrid aerial platforms that will revolutionise aerial data acquisition. We envision a world where drones can fly continuously without having to land at all and we are currently in the first step towards that realising that vision. Founded by alumni from Purdue University (USA) and NIT-Trichy (India) with extensive research background and with a vision to nurture great teams and develop solutions for hard problems, we are looking at joining hands with the next generation of talented individuals looking to embark on this exciting journey. Being part of Okulo Aerospace allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Are you an experienced aerospace engineer looking to make a meaningful impact that you just can’t find in legacy aerospace companies? Have you ever dreamed of piloting a clean-sheet aerial vehicle system? Would you like to deliver a significant percentage of key systems for a new product design? If so, you might be a good fit for the team in a UAV Test Pilot role here at Okulo Aerospace

Roles and Responsibilities:

- UAV Procedural piloting from an R&D and testing standpoint.
- Responsible for creation and/or maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures for the flight-testing program.
- Programming and setup of UAVs on the firmware level.
- Plan and discuss the list of tests to be performed before flights. Test components on sub system level before the actual flight test.
- Create and maintain performance logs, flight logs and pre-flight / post-flight checklists.
- Conduct pre
- and post-flight analysis and provide recommendations to design and manufacturing teams, be able to articulate the flight test inputs into technical data/pointers for the R&D team.
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting of UAVs whenever required.
- Must be able to gauge/calculate the risks involved in testing and evaluate testing procedures accordingly.

**Requirements**:

- B.E / B. Tech in aerospace/ mechanical/EC or other degrees with demonstrated UAV/aeromodelling and flying experience.
- At least 3 years of experience in aeromodelling and R/C flying with over 1000 hours on the sticks.
- At least 1 year of experience in UAV flying with over 300 hrs on the sticks.
- Experience in setting up UAVs - Fixed wings as well as VTOLs.
- Well versed with autopilot systems like Ardupilot, PX4 and GCS systems like Mission Planner and QGroundControl.
- Hands-on proficiency in operating principles of motors, controllers, autopilot and standard onboard sensors of an aerial vehicle.
- Ability to work with a flexible schedule. Must be able to work outside the job location.
- Must possess excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.

**Benefits**:

- Intellectual fulfilment and rapid personal/professional development
- Fast-paced, innovative team and work environment
- Early-stage company benefits such as **ESOPs**
- Flexible work hours, professional autonomy and team-oriented work culture with a flat hierarchy and strong meritocracy.