Senior Flight Test Engineer & Drone Aviator
About this role
<h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4f62c0bb-7fff-17b9-49f4-0d641b62480c">Company</strong></span></h3><p><span>NestAI is a European AI lab for defence delivering the adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations. We develop adaptive intelligence for unmanned and command systems: AI that continuously learns from operational data and adapts to changing conditions.</span></p><p><span>NestOS is our open, modular and interoperable platform that enables this at scale and keeps capability evolution under sovereign European control. Founded in 2025 by Peter Sarlin, whose previous company Silo AI became Europe's largest AI acquisition, NestAI brings together over 150 engineers and scientists and partners with leading European defence forces and industry.</span></p><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4f62c0bb-7fff-17b9-49f4-0d641b62480c">Role Description</strong></span></h3><p><span>We are looking for 2x Senior Flight Test Engineers / Drone Aviators to join our team full-time in Tampere.</span></p><p><span>In this role, you will be much more than a remote pilot; you will lead field testing, design rigorous test matrices, and serve as the critical feedback loop between edge-AI software, hardware prototypes, and real-world flight dynamics. You will own flight safety, navigate regulatory frameworks (e.g., EASA/Traficom Specific category), and stress-test autonomous systems in challenging environments.</span></p><p><span>This position is ideal for an experienced UAV operator or flight test specialist who deeply understands airframes, sensors, telemetry, and flight controllers, and who can systematically evaluate physical AI under real-world conditions.</span></p><p><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4f62c0bb-7fff-17b9-49f4-0d641b62480c">Key Responsibilities:</strong></span></p><ul><li><p><span>Design, plan, and execute complex manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous test flights for multirotor and/or fixed-wing UAV platforms.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Analyze flight logs, telemetry, and sensor data to provide deep technical insights to core engineering teams.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Maintain operational safety protocols, risk assessments (SORA/PDRA), and flight logs. Ensure full compliance with EASA/Traficom regulatory frameworks.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Perform advanced hardware configuration, PID tuning, payload integration, and field troubleshooting (PX4/ArduPilot ecosystems or custom flight controllers).</span></p></li><li><p><span>Lead field deployment logistics, manage site clearances, evaluate weather limits, and oversee field safety for testing teams.</span></p></li></ul><h3><span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4f62c0bb-7fff-17b9-49f4-0d641b62480c">Qualifications</strong></span></h3><ul><li><p><span>Aviation & Pilot Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience piloting UAVs (multirotor, VTOL, or fixed-wing) in complex operational environments. Must hold relevant commercial/advanced certifications (e.g., A1/A3, A2, or Specific Category / STS experience under EASA/Traficom).</span></p></li><li><p><span>Technical Depth: Deep understanding of flight control software (PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, Mission Planner), telemetry links, RF systems, and sensor integration (EO/IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation).</span></p></li><li><p><span>Flight Testing Background: Proven track record in structured flight testing, data collection, and logging/reporting issues in Jira or similar tools.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Mechanical & Electronics Skills: Practical expertise in airframe maintenance, soldering, hardware modifications, and field repairs.</span></p></li><li><p><span>You have exceptional situational awareness, calm under pressure during uncommanded aircraft behaviour, and a rigorous approach to safety and documentation.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Valid driver's license (B-class) is required for transporting equipment and mobile ground stations to flight test sites.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience with defence/security operational environments, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, or background in aeronautical engineering/avionics is considered as an advantage.</span></p></li></ul><h3><sp