Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. What you will be part of Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
The Role This role is part of our Blue Bear Business in Bedford. The Flight Test Engineer will manage the preparation and comprehensive support of flight operations for unmanned aerial vehicles. Bridging the gap between engineering and field testing, this role drives the rigorous evaluation of systems through test planning, flight execution, and deep-dive analysis. Ideally serving as a UAV pilot, the successful candidate will ensure safety and compliance throughout the testing lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Test Planning: Design and author comprehensive flight test plans, risk assessments, and procedures aligned with engineering objectives and safety standards.
- Flight Preparation: Oversee the preparation, ground testing, and final checks of UAV systems prior to flight operations.
- Flight Test Execution: Lead or heavily support active flight testing in the field, operating as a UAV pilot to gather required telemetry and performance data.
- Post Flight Analysis: Download, processing, and analysing flight data to evaluate system performance against design metrics.
- Reporting: Generate detailed flight test reports, presenting technical metrics and actionable insights to engineering teams.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Essential Skills Demonstrated experience in uncrewed or crewed flight test operations, test card generation, and telemetry analysis.
- Practical experience and certification as a UAV pilot, capable of manual and autonomous flight operations.
- Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex flight data and translating it into engineering feedback.
- Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC level).
- Experience or familiarity with Civil and Military Aviation regulatory requirements (CAA, MAA, EASA) and industry standards.
Saab UK Company Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave
- Workplace pension scheme with 8% company contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Death in service insurance
- Up to 5% share matching scheme
- Company enhanced Maternity/Adoption & Paternity leave.
- + Much more
By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.
At Saab, you’ll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose – keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions. What makes that difference possible? You. We’re a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with approximately 28,000 employees across all continents. Our transformative approach combines deep expertise with continuous innovation – investing one-fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow’s challenges today. But technology alone doesn’t create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution – that’s what transforms possibility into reality. Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You’ll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters. Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.
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