Pilot Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokturnal Ai is looking for a highly motivated UAS Pilot who thrives in a hands-on environment and is excited to help test, operate, and deploy cutting-edge autonomous aircraft.

This role is much more than flying drones. You'll work directly with engineers, technicians, and program managers to test new aircraft, validate system performance, support customer demonstrations, train end users, and contribute to the continued development of next-generation autonomous systems.

If you enjoy solving technical challenges, operating sophisticated aircraft, and seeing your work directly impact mission success, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As a UAS Pilot, you'll play a key role in both flight operations and product development by:

• Conducting flight testing of prototype and production unmanned aircraft.
• Operating as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Visual Observer (VO) during flight operations.
• Planning missions and performing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections.
• Collecting and documenting flight test data for engineering analysis.
• Supporting system validation and troubleshooting alongside engineering teams.
• Assisting with aircraft assembly, configuration, maintenance, and field repairs.
• Conducting customer demonstrations and acceptance flights.
• Training customers and internal personnel on aircraft operation and safety procedures.
• Supporting field deployments and operational exercises throughout the United States.
• Maintaining compliance with FAA regulations, company flight procedures, and customer requirements.
• Promoting a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Demonstrated experience operating both multirotor and fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems.
• Highly proficient in Mission Planner, including mission planning, aircraft configuration, parameter management, and system setup.
• Experience with autopilot programming, parameter tuning, and flight controller configuration.
• Ability to perform flight log review and analysis to identify performance issues, troubleshoot issues, and recommend system improvements.
• Experience configuring and setting up unmanned aircraft systems from the ground up, including avionics, flight controllers, communications equipment, payload integration, and support systems.
• Experience with gas-powered UAS engine setup, tuning, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Skilled Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) pilot with experience operating both multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft safely in a variety of operational environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving electrical, mechanical, avionics, software, propulsion, and flight control systems.
• Experience performing routine inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, and component replacement to ensure aircraft mission readiness.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues in both laboratory and field environments with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of mission planning, operational risk assessment, and flight safety best practices.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in support of customer demonstrations, flight testing, training events, and operational deployments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally to engineers, technicians, leadership, and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback, actively participate in technical discussions, and foster open, respectful communication within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to document test results, flight observations, maintenance activities, and technical findings accurately and communicate recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift and transport aircraft, ground control stations, batteries, and support equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicates clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Provides timely, constructive, and solution-oriented feedback.
• Actively contributes to a collaborative, safety-focused culture.
• Shares technical knowledge effectively and supports the development of teammates.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multirotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or government programs.
• Knowledge of autonomous flight systems, telemetry, RF communications, or Ground Control Station software.
• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems.
• Experience flying an FPV drone.
• Program and fly BetaFlight.
• Wire management experience.
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate or higher.
• Experience conducting engineering flight tests.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Why Nokturnal AI?

At Nokturnal AI, you'll work alongside talented engineers and innovators building technology that supports critical missions. You'll have the opportunity to influence product development, participate in exciting flight operations, and grow your career in one of the fastest-growing areas of aerospace technology.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match (when eligible)
• Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Professional development and certification support
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge autonomous systems

Work Environment

• This is a full-time onsite position located in Clearwater, Florida.
• Regular work in engineering labs, production areas, and outdoor flight test environments.
• Frequent travel to customer sites, demonstrations, and test ranges.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support testing schedules and customer operations.

Security Requirements

This position supports U.S. Government programs. The selected candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and satisfy applicable export control requirements. Candidates must be willing to participate in required background investigations as a condition of employment.

Nokturnal AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Nokturnal AI is an advanced technology company focused on developing cutting-edge systems in aerospace, AI/ML, and defense-related integration. Our work centers on building high-performance, mission-critical solutions with a strong emphasis on innovation, precision, and operational excellence.