How to Be Drone Flight Test Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 21, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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As the demand for drones increases, the need for experienced Drone Flight Test Engineers is on the rise. Drone Flight Test Engineers are responsible for ensuring drones are safe to operate, and that they meet all requirements and regulations. To do this, they must be well-versed in avionics, aerodynamics, airframes and mechanical engineering.

They must also be proficient in data analysis, flight test planning, and have strong problem-solving skills. Successful Drone Flight Test Engineers must be able to identify potential risks associated with drone use, as well as develop practical test plans that evaluate performance, safety, and reliability. the role of a Drone Flight Test Engineer is essential to the development and successful operation of drones in any industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Earning a bachelors degree in a relevant field such as aeronautics, aerospace engineering, or aviation systems is the first step to becoming a drone flight test engineer.
Obtain a Commercial Pilots License. Obtaining a commercial pilots license is typically required to become a drone flight test engineer, as the job involves operating aircrafts.
Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Becoming a CFI allows for additional experience operating aircrafts, which is beneficial for those aspiring to become drone flight test engineers.
Obtain a Drone Pilot Certificate. Drone pilots must be certified and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Obtain Experience as a Drone Operator. Gaining experience as a drone operator is helpful when trying to become a drone flight test engineer.
Obtain FAA Certification as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician. This certification is required for drone flight test engineers, as they must inspect and maintain aircrafts.
Apply for a Drone Flight Test Engineer Position. Once all the qualifications have been met, individuals can apply to become a drone flight test engineer at various companies and organizations.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Drone Flight Test Engineer, it is important to stay abreast of the latest technology and advancements in the field. This can involve researching the industry, attending seminars or conferences to gain a better understanding of current trends and advancements, as well as taking advantage of educational resources such as online courses or workshops. Keeping up with the industry will help to ensure that you are aware of any new regulations or protocols that may be introduced, allowing you to remain compliant and knowledgeable about best practices. Additionally, staying current on the latest technology can help you to identify any potential issues that may arise, allowing you to quickly address them and maintain a safe, efficient working environment.

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Job Description

Develop and coordinate test plans for flight hardware and software
Execute flight tests and analyze test data
Research and develop new drone technologies
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair drones
Monitor and maintain flight safety protocols
Create flight logs and reports to update test results
Collaborate with other teams to ensure successful drone operations
Perform detailed inspections of aircraft prior to flight
Manage and control resources such as spare parts, software, and tools
Maintain accurate records of all test results and document findings
Analyze drone performance data to identify potential improvements
Develop strategies for future drone testing and implementation

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of FAA regulations and safety standards
Working proficiency in aircraft systems and subsystems
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues
Understanding of drone flight dynamics
Familiarity with flight data analysis software
Proficient in software development for drone flight control systems
Experience in performing flight tests and documenting results
Ability to design, plan and execute complex flight tests
Familiarity with navigation and communication systems
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Being a Drone Flight Test Engineer requires a variety of complex skills and knowledge. At the top of the list is a strong understanding of aeronautics and engineering principles. This includes knowledge of flight dynamics, aircraft control systems, and navigation systems.

a Drone Flight Test Engineer needs to be able to read and understand aircraft drawings and schematics, and have a good understanding of physics principles. the engineer needs to have the technical skills to perform the test plans, analyze data, and troubleshoot any issues. Finally, the engineer must be able to think analytically and solve problems quickly, as well as have excellent communication skills to document and present test results.

By having all these skills, a Drone Flight Test Engineer can ensure that the drone systems are safe and reliable.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What qualifications do you have to be a successful Drone Flight Test Engineer?
What experience do you have with flight testing drones?
How would you go about troubleshooting a drone issue?
Describe a time when you had to work on an urgent drone flight test.
How do you ensure that each flight test is conducted safely?
How do you keep up with the latest drone technology and regulations?
What types of data have you collected from drone flight tests?
What methods do you use to analyze drone flight test data?
How do you prioritize tasks in the drone flight testing process?
Describe a creative solution you implemented while conducting a drone flight test.

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Simulation Software. Allows engineers to virtually test and experiment with drone flight systems before physically testing them in the air. (eg: DJI Flight Simulator)
Flight Data Recording System. Records and stores data from each drone test flight to be analyzed later. (eg: Auterion Flight Data Recorder)
Flight Controllers. Monitors and controls the flight of a drone. (eg: Pixhawk4 Flight Controller)
Automated Test Scripts. Automates and streamlines routine flight tests. (eg: Drone Flight Test Automation Suite)
Ground Control Station. Used to monitor and control the drone from the ground. (eg: Mission Planner)
Radio Frequency (RF) Analyzers. Helps engineers detect and debug any radio frequency interference issues. (eg: Keysight E4407B ESAser)
Diagnostic Tools. Monitors the health and performance of a drone's components. (eg: DJI Assisted Diagnostics)
Telemetry Systems. Tracks the position, speed, and altitude of a drone in real-time. (eg: UAV Telemetry System)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Drone User Group Network (DUGN)
Professional Society of Drone Journalists (PSDJ)
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Foundation (AUVSIF)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
International Unmanned Systems Alliance (IUSA)
Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
Small UAV Coalition (SUAVC)

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Common Important Terms

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). A type of aircraft that is operated without a pilot on board.
Autopilot. A system that can control a vehicle with minimal or no human intervention.
Flight Control System. An electronic system that controls the movement of an aircraft.
Flight Dynamics. The study of forces and motions that affect the movement and stability of aircraft in flight.
Sensors. Devices that measure physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, altitude, and speed.
Data Acquisition. The process of collecting and storing data from various sources.
Telemetry. The transmission of data from a remote location to a monitoring station.
Flight Testing. The process of testing an aircraft for performance in different flight conditions.
FAA Regulations. Rules and regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the safety of air travel.
Safety Protocols. Procedures designed to ensure the safety of personnel involved in flight testing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Drone Flight Test Engineer?

A Drone Flight Test Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to ensure that they meet safety and performance standards.

What qualifications do Drone Flight Test Engineers need?

Drone Flight Test Engineers typically need a degree in engineering, aviation, or a related field and experience with aeronautics and/or drone systems. Knowledge of aviation regulations and FAA requirements is also essential.

What skills are required to be a successful Drone Flight Test Engineer?

Successful Drone Flight Test Engineers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles, and the ability to plan and execute complex test flights. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently are also important.

What is the salary range for Drone Flight Test Engineers?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for Drone Flight Test Engineers is $75,000 per year. Salaries can range from $60,000 to $90,000 per year depending on experience and location.

What are the primary duties of Drone Flight Test Engineers?

The primary duties of Drone Flight Test Engineers are to design and build UAVs, develop testing protocols and procedures, execute test flights, analyze data to identify areas of improvement, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.