At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight-test campaigns and analyse results for advanced uncrewed aircraft.
- Company: Join a growing Test & Evaluation team in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and gain international exposure.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UAS technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4+ years flight-test experience and strong data analysis skills.
Flight Test Engineer- Bristol/West Wales- Permanent- £50,000- £60,000 Take Flight Testing to the Next Level Are you an experienced Flight Test Engineer looking for the opportunity to work with advanced uncrewed aircraft, real operational challenges and technology that moves quickly from test to deployment?
Join a growing Test & Evaluation team working across a range of UAS platforms and mission payloads.
You’ll join a team in the midst of growth and play a key role in turning engineering requirements into safe, effective flight trials — planning campaigns, assessing risk, analysing results and providing the insight needed to develop better aircraft.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being where engineering, flight operations and data meet.
Own the Trial.
Shape the Outcome.
You’ll be involved throughout the flight-test lifecycle, including
- Planning, managing and reporting flight-test campaigns across different UAS platforms and payloads
- Capturing trial requirements and turning them into clear, achievable test objectives
- Designing trials that generate meaningful and actionable engineering data
- Conducting Test Flying Readiness Reviews (TFRR) in line with Test & Evaluation policy
- Leading or contributing to test-hazard and trial-risk reviews
- Working with engineering and operational teams to understand what needs to be tested and how
- Deploying with operational crews to conduct flight-test activity
- Analysing results and providing timely, accurate insight to engineering teams
- Adapting plans as technology, priorities and operational requirements change You won’t simply be executing a predefined test schedule.
You’ll help define the test approach, manage the risk and determine what the evidence tells us.
Work With Technology That’s Still Evolving UAS technology is developing rapidly.
New aircraft, payloads and mission systems bring unfamiliar problems — and that’s part of the attraction.
You’ll need to be comfortable working with new technologies, investigating unexpected results and adapting your approach when the test programme changes.
We’re looking for someone who is driven by data and testing — someone who wants to understand not just whether something worked, but what the evidence tells us and how that insight can make the product better.
Your work will help engineering teams make informed decisions and deliver safer, more capable systems to customers.
- What You’ll Bring Essential
- 4+ years’ active flight-test experience, crewed or uncrewed
- Experience working with MAA RA2370 or relevant civilian schemes such as Part 21J
- Practical experience of flight-test planning, risk assessment and execution
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work at pace and adapt to changing schedules and priorities
- Confidence working with new technologies and unfamiliar systems
- Strong data manipulation, analysis, research and investigative skills Desirable
- Qualification from a recognised Flight Test School
- Degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related technical discipline
- Experience working within a Part 21J, MAA DAOS or CFAOS organisation
- Crewed or uncrewed pilot, engineering licence or similar qualification Above all, you’ll bring sound engineering judgement, curiosity and a practical approach to testing.
Why This Role?
- Work across multiple UAS platforms and mission payloads
- Take ownership of flight-test campaigns from requirements through to reporting
- Deploy alongside operational crews and experience testing in real environments
- Work directly with engineers developing rapidly evolving aerospace technology
- Use real test evidence to influence product development
- Work across Defence, Security and Space programmes
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams
- Gain exposure to UK and international test activity
- Build your technical expertise and take on increasing responsibility If you’re a Flight Test Engineer who wants to work at the sharp end of UAS development — combining rigorous test engineering, real flying, data and operational challenges — this is an opportunity to make your experience count.
Apply now and help turn flight-test evidence into the next generation of uncrewed aircraft capability, please contact Victoria on (phone number removed)
Flight Test Engineer in Bristol employer: Copello
As a Contracts & Subcontracts Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while being part of a supportive team in the vibrant cities of Gloucester or Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Test Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Copello for a Flight Test Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Flight Test Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Copello, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Copello, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Copello.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Copello. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Copello love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
