Lead Flight Test Engineer

Overview

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER? TEKEVER leads innovation in Europe as a leader in unmanned technology, delivering real-time intelligence for maritime safety and global operations. We operate across four strategic areas: Digital, Defence, Security, Space. Our surveillance-as-a-service supports decisions in sea, land, space, and cyberspace. Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team transforming maritime surveillance and global safety standards. Our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making. If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future - TEKEVER is the place for you.

The Mission

The Lead Flight Test Engineer (FTE) is a key technical authority within TEKEVER Ltd, responsible for the planning, coordination, conduct, and reporting of flight test activities across military and civilian Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This includes TEKEVER's operational platforms and experimental or developmental systems. The role ensures that all flight test activities (defence clients, civil demonstration campaigns, or regulatory compliance) are performed safely and in accordance with MAA, CAA, EASA and other regulatory frameworks. The Lead FTE will assess system performance and ensure missions meet regulatory, safety, and customer requirements. They serve as the primary interface between the Design Organisation, Operations, Regulators, and the Flight Test Organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Test Planning & Compliance: Develop detailed Trials/Test Plans for both military and civilian registered UAS, ensuring compliance with MAA Regulatory Publications (MRP) for military T&E, CAA regulations including CAP 722 for UAS, and EASA UAS and flight test requirements where applicable, Define Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) requirements, lead airworthiness/regulatory engagement for test approval including Military Flight Test Permits, CAA Operational Authorisations (OA), OSC content, or SORA, and EASA test approvals where applicable.
• Safety & Risk Management: Author trials Risk Assessments, Safety Statements, and Test Hazard Analyses; ensure risks are ALARP and Tolerable in line with MAA and CAA; coordinate with Range Safety, ATC and local airspace authorities.
• Test Conduct: Develop and deliver Flight Test Cards for T&E crews; act as Trial Supervisor/Test Director/Test Conductor from TEKEVER Ground Control Stations or telemetry rooms; lead real-time telemetry and system health monitoring; coordinate with T&E crews, operators, telemetry engineers, safety observers, and regulatory representatives.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyse live and post-flight data to evaluate air vehicle performance, autonomy, navigation, control systems, datalinks, C2 and payload behaviour; produce Flight Test Reports (FTR) and Trials Reports; present results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Programme Support & Development: Support rapid prototyping and iterative development; interface with engineering, operations, and customer teams; engage in UK and international test campaigns as required.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential: ETPS UAS Systems Course Graduate or equivalent qualification; demonstrated experience in flight testing military and/or civilian UAS or equivalent aerospace systems; strong understanding of UAS system architecture and mission level performance; familiarity with MAA RA 2370 Issue 5 and NPA 26/01 - Test & Evaluation requirements; CAA UAS frameworks (CAP 722, OSC development, SORA); proficiency with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or mission analysis software); working knowledge of airworthiness, safety cases, and regulatory compliance; strong communication, technical writing, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Desirable: Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline; TPS class A or B TP or FTE graduate; Minimum Flyer ID & A1/A3 CAA drone license; hands-on experience with Military UAS flight test programmes; Civil UAS in open and specific categories; experience with UK MoD, DE&S, front-line commands; Civil aviation authorities regulatory bodies; experience operating in deployed, maritime, or exercise environments.

Working Conditions

Work at TEKEVER UK facilities (including West Wales Airport, Yatesbury, Wroughton) and at military airfields, civil test ranges, and customer locations. Travel approx 25% for remote campaigns, demonstrations and regulatory meetings. Occasional overseas deployments to support TEKEVER's global operational footprint. Early mornings, late nights and occasional weekend work to support Flight Trials.