This role is part of our Blue Bear Business in Bedford. The Flight Test Engineer will manage the preparation and comprehensive support of flight operations for unmanned aerial vehicles. Bridging the gap between engineering and field testing, this role drives the rigorous evaluation of systems through test planning, flight execution, and deep-dive analysis. Ideally serving as a UAV pilot, the successful candidate will ensure safety and compliance throughout the testing lifecycle.,
- Test Planning: Design and author comprehensive flight test plans, risk assessments, and procedures aligned with engineering objectives and safety standards.
- Flight Preparation: Oversee the preparation, ground testing, and final checks of UAV systems prior to flight operations.
- Flight Test Execution: Lead or heavily support active flight testing in the field, operating as a UAV pilot to gather required telemetry and performance data.
- Post Flight Analysis: Download, processing, and analysing flight data to evaluate system performance against design metrics.
- Reporting: Generate detailed flight test reports, presenting technical metrics and actionable insights to engineering teams.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated experience in uncrewed or crewed flight test operations, test card generation, and telemetry analysis.
- Practical experience and certification as a UAV pilot, capable of manual and autonomous flight operations.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex flight data and translating it into engineering feedback.
Desirable Skills
- Experience or familiarity with Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements (CAA, MAA, EASA) and industry standards.
- Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC level).
Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world‑leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.
What you will be part of Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations., Saab serves the global market of governments, authorities and corporations with products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security.
- 30 days annual leave
- Workplace pension scheme with 8% company contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Death in service insurance
- Up to 5% share matching scheme
- Company enhanced Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave.
- + Much more
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Flight Test Engineer employer: Saab AB
Saab in the UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and personal growth is prioritised. With a strong commitment to employee development through structured programmes and hands-on experience, you will be part of a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages continuous learning. Located in Fareham, you will enjoy a supportive atmosphere with generous benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, making it an ideal place for ambitious graduates to launch their careers in engineering.
