Department: Testing Location: Southampton HQ (on-site role - candidates should live within approximately 1 hour's commute)
Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
About SkyBound
SkyBound delivers automated drone operations for critical national infrastructure, providing real-time aerial intelligence to support safety, security and faster decision-making.
We combine software, AI and remote operations, with systems managed from our Southampton-based 24/7 control centre and deployed across the UK in some of the most complex airspaces to enable rapid response and continuous site awareness.
As we continue to scale, we are looking for a driven Flight test Engineer to join the team and help shape the future of autonomous operations.
The Role
We're looking for a Flight Test Engineer to join our Testing team, integrating and testing fixed-wing, VTOL and multi rotor UAS. You'll assess new markets and aircraft platforms alongside our Design, Software and Engineering teams, and work with external stakeholders to develop and test new capabilities.
In practice, you'll be doing three things: flying test programmes (including BVLOS, from Southampton or on-site), defining and running the test programmes themselves, and feeding what you learn back into how we operate - troubleshooting equipment in the field, writing up findings, and helping shape procedure.
What you'll do
- Plan and conduct safe, compliant test flight operations, working with the operations and technical teams to confirm requirements and site suitability
- Operate as Remote Pilot BVLOS across the UK and internationally, from the Remote Operations Centre or on-site
- Define and execute test programmes for new software, hardware and systems, evaluating performance and new features
- Identify and troubleshoot equipment issues and non-standard behaviour in the field, maintaining equipment to compliance standards
- Manage risk dynamically during flight trials, and produce accurate post-flight reports, escalating bugs and anomalies as needed
- Liaise with internal teams before, during and after operations, and feed lessons learned into procedure development
What you'll need
- Demonstrable experience piloting UAS in a research and development environment. A UK GVC or A2CofC is not required if you can robustly evidence equivalent experience - including international or defence-sector backgrounds
- Strong communication with both internal teams and external clients
- Sound judgement and problem-solving under pressure, including dynamic risk assessment
- Proven ability to independently plan, prioritise and own your own workload
- A collaborative, team-first approach and openness to suggesting new ways of working
- A full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel within the UK, including possible maritime deployments
- Comfort working with sensitive, confidential information
Nice to have (not required — we'd rather hear about relevant experience than tick every box)
- Hands-on experience with fixed-wing or VTOL UAS using flight software such as ArduPilot Mission Planner or QGroundControl
- Aviation qualifications relating to UAS design, test flight operations, safety or risk management
- A relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
What we offer
- 23 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Free on-site parking and EV charging points
- Industry-relevant training and development, internal and external
- Flexible, casual working environment
- Health and wellbeing support, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Free tea, coffee and fruit
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Flight Test Engineer in Southampton employer: SkyBound
SkyBound is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work culture that thrives on collaboration and creativity. Located in Southampton, employees benefit from a remote-first approach, allowing for flexibility while working on cutting-edge technology in AI and robotics. With ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to influence the future of autonomous operations, SkyBound is dedicated to fostering talent and driving impactful change in critical infrastructure.
