Flight Test Pilot at Auterion

<p>At Auterion, we build the future of drones and autonomous robots. Our Munich-based production and flight test team is responsible for getting world-class multicopters into the hands of our enterprise and government customers — at scale, on schedule, and with uncompromising quality.</p> <p>As a Flight Test Pilot, you are the final gatekeeper before our multicopters leave the factory. You will execute high-volume Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), flying production aircraft through standardized acceptance profiles, validating that every unit meets Auterion’s performance, safety, and quality standards. Your hands-on piloting skill, mechanical aptitude, and procedural discipline will directly shape the customer experience of our products.</p> <p>This role is ideal for a precise, safety-minded pilot who thrives in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment and enjoys working at the intersection of aviation, robotics, and modern manufacturing.</p> <h3><strong>Responsibilities and Duties:</strong></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Execute High-Volume Factory Acceptance Flights: </strong>Operate production multicopters through standardized FAT profiles to verify performance, flight characteristics, payload integration, and system behavior on every aircraft leaving the Munich facility.</li> <li><strong>Maintain Operational Flight Proficiency: </strong>Serve as a fully proficient Flight Test Pilot, capable of accurately and repeatably executing the maneuvers and procedures defined by the Flight Test Engineering team, with a focus on consistency across hundreds of acceptance flights.</li> <li><strong>Support Reporting and Debriefing: </strong>Actively participate in post-flight debriefs, providing clear, subjective feedback on vehicle performance, handling qualities, and system behavior. Help engineers correlate pilot observations with measured data and flag systemic trends across the production fleet.</li> <li><strong>Maintain, Retrofit, and Repair Test Vehicles: </strong>Perform hands-on maintenance, inspections, component swaps, and repairs to keep the acceptance fleet at the highest standard of airworthiness and configuration control. Drive root-cause analysis on units that fail acceptance and feed findings back into production.</li> <li><strong>Prepare Bench Setups: </strong>Assemble and configure hardware for ground and bench testing, including system integration checks, sensor calibrations, and pre-flight verifications that precede each acceptance flight.</li> <li><strong>Execute Logistic Preparations for Flight Test Campaigns: </strong>Manage the hands-on logistics for occasional off-site test campaigns, including packing equipment, arranging transportation, and setting up remote operational sites to ensure campaign success.</li> <li><strong>Become a Subject-Matter Expert: </strong>Develop in-depth knowledge of Auterion hardware and software, including Skynode, PX4, AuterionOS, Auterion Mission Control, and Auterion Suite, and apply that expertise to make every acceptance flight efficient and informative.</li> <li><strong>Influence Product Quality: </strong>Act as a critical feedback source between production and engineering, translating patterns observed in acceptance testing into actionable recommendations for design, process, and quality improvements.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Qualifications and Skills:</strong></h3> <p>This role demands a blend of piloting precision, mechanical craftsmanship, and methodical rigor — qualities that drive product excellence and align with our core values: Be Bold, Own the Outcome, and Team Over Players.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Proven Piloting Skill: </strong>Demonstrably strong piloting skills on multicopters, with a focus on precision, safety, and procedural discipline. Comfort flying repetitive standardized profiles to a consistently high standard.</li> <li><strong>Hands-On Drone Expertise: </strong>Direct experience flying and building drones or autonomous vehicles. Proficiency in hardware tasks like soldering, wiring, mounting, and assembling electronic subassemblies is a strong plus; CAD design and 3D printing experience is welcome.</li> <li><strong>Mechanical Aptitude: </strong>Strong mechanical sense and hands-on experience maintaining and repairing aircraft, drones, or complex electro-mechanical systems.</li> <li><strong>Test and Quality Mindset: </strong>A structured, procedure-oriented way of working with meticulous attention to detail. Prior experience in a production, acceptance, or flight test environment (aviation, automotive, or robotics) is a strong plus.</li> <li><strong>Software Knowledge: </strong>Familiarity with the PX4 ecosystem and ground control stations (e.g., QGroundControl, Auterion Mission Control) is a significant advantage.</li> <li><strong>Regulatory &amp; Operational Readiness: </strong>Knowledge of EU safety regulations regarding testing and flying UAS is required. You must hold or be able to obtain the EU-Drone License A1/A3 (A2 is a plus) and must be an EU citizen.</li> <li><strong>Engineering Foundation (a Plus): </strong>A technical degree or vocational qualification in aerospace, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field is welcome but not required — practical piloting and mechanical experience matter most.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Benefits</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Flexible working hours</li> <li>Stock Options</li> <li>Generous holiday allowance</li> <li>Pension plan</li> <li>Extended social security package</li> <li>Enhanced maternity &amp; paternity leave</li> <li>Learning and development opportunities</li> </ul> <h3><strong>About Auterion</strong></h3> <p>We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.</p> <p>At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.</p>