At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage flight operations for unmanned aerial vehicles and ensure safety during testing.
- Company: Join Saab UK, a leading defence company driving innovation in technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on personal fulfilment and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and security while working with advanced technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in flight test operations and certification as a UAV pilot required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.
Flight Test Engineer in Bedford employer: Saab UK
Saab UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. Located in Bedfordshire, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and engaging projects in unmanned systems. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, creativity, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in cutting-edge aerospace solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Test Engineer in Bedford
✨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 Saab UK 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 Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Saab UK, 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 Saab UK, 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 Saab UK
✨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 Saab UK.
✨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 Saab UK. 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 Saab UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
