UAS Flight Test Engineer

The University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research (UVic CfAR) is seeking a Junior UAS Flight Test Engineer / Pilot to support experimental remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) research and flight testing activities.

This staff position is intended for early-career professionals with an interest in UAS flight operations, applied R&D, and experimental aviation, who are motivated to grow under mentorship in a safety-critical flight test environment.

***Important Instructions***: All candidates must attach a cover letter and their resume to their application to be considered for the role. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in travel for project work including field operations (up to ~30% of the working calendar). Please also include in your cover letter what experience you have that makes you suitable for the position as well as why you are interested in the position.

About UVic CfAR

UVic CfAR is a Canadian leader in unmanned aircraft research, development, integration, and flight testing. Our multidisciplinary team works across the full system lifecycle—from early concepts and prototypes to regulated flight operations and field deployment—bridging academic research with applied, operationally relevant experimentation.

The group is based in Sidney, British Columbia, with regular off-site field operations across Canada.

Description

The Junior UAS Flight Test Engineer / Pilot supports UAS flight test operations across preparation, execution, and post-test phases. The role emphasizes learning, procedural discipline, and supervised operational participation, while building experience in flight test practices, aviation safety culture, and experimental aircraft operations.

Responsibilities and authority are assigned under senior supervision and expand as competency is demonstrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Support experimental UAS flight operations under supervision
• Assist with pre-operational testing, aircraft checkout, and mission readiness
• Participate in training, logistics preparation, and field deployment activities
• Travel for project work, including field operations (up to ~30% of the working calendar)
• Support on-site flight operations as part of the flight test crew
• Participate in post-flight debriefs, data review, and lessons-learned discussions
• Assist with maintaining operational documentation, checklists, and procedures
• Work alongside senior staff while supporting and learning with students
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary engineering and research team

Growth, Authority, and Flight Test Progression

Progression focuses on developing safe operating habits, test discipline, and sound judgement. As experience grows, individuals may take on increased responsibility within supervised flight operations, pre-flight preparation, and operational support roles.

A strong willingness to learn, seek feedback, and continuously improve is considered a key asset for success in this role.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Demonstrated interest in UAS piloting and flight operations
• Familiarity with basic aviation or UAS operational concepts
• Strong safety mindset and willingness to follow procedures
• Ability to travel for work, including travel to and within the United States
• Clear communication skills and openness to mentorship

Preferred

• Experience with UAS operations, RC aircraft, or experimental platforms
• Exposure to flight test, applied research, or operational environments
• Manned aviation experience, including a civil pilot license (PPL or higher), is an asset
• Familiarity with Piccolo Flight Management System and Ground Control, and/or QGroundControl
• Experience or exposure to MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and/or ROS
• Foundational understanding of flight dynamics and flight control concepts
• Interest in mentoring or working with students
• Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn new tools, procedures, and systems

Candidates whose experience exceeds the listed qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility & Requirements

• This position is open only to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
• UVic CfAR is unable to sponsor work visas for this position

Compensation

• Salary Range: 50,000 to 65,000
• Appointment level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Working Conditions

• Staff position based in Sidney, BC
• Hands-on laboratory and flight operations environment
• Travel for project work, including field operations (up to ~30% of the working calendar)
• Travel may include multi-day field deployments and non-standard work hours during test campaigns
• Travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with University policies
• Outdoor work and travel may be required

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit their cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript via email to Incomplete applications will not be considered due to volume of applications received.

If you require accommodations or have any questions or concerns throughout the application process, please email us at

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups. Read our full equity statement.

Please note due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide any feedback on unsuccessful applications and only selected candidates will receive an email. Candidates will be notified within 2 weeks of the submission deadline. For more information, please contact

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Casual dress
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sidney, BC V8L 5W5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Are you interested in travel for project work, including field operations (up to ~30% of the working calendar)?

Work Location: In person