Fixed-Wing Test Pilot
Alta Ares
Fixed-Wing Test Pilot
Alta Ares
Autonomous AI defense and ISTAR platform
Alta Ares is an air defense Neoprime. We build AI-guided interceptors to counter drones and cruise missiles, along with the software platform that powers them.
Our customers are NATO-aligned militaries and defense institutions, and our systems are regularly deployed during live exercises and operational demonstrations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Founded in 2024, we have grown to 90 people, raised over $60M, and increased revenue 40× this year. We are now entering a new phase of international expansion, industrial scaling, fundraising, and product development.
As a Fixed-Wing Test Pilot, you will operate Alta Ares' fixed-wing drones during development and demos. You will act as the Safety Pilot during experimental flights, ensuring mission success and platform integrity. Over time, you will also contribute to training, documentation, and continuous improvement of operational procedures.
Flight Operations
Operate fixed-wing UAVs during development tests and demos
Execute manual piloting tasks, including executing non-standard or complex takeoff and landing procedures.
Serve as Safety Pilot during avionics hardware and software testing, closely monitoring aircraft behavior and taking manual control when required.
Work with the flight-controller team to provide detailed feedback on anomalies or unexpected behavior.
Validate aircraft airworthiness and pre-flight checks.
Aircraft Maintenance
Prepare, organize, and maintain flight-test and demo equipment.
Routine maintenance of the UAV
Repairs and hardware adjustments
Proven experience flying fixed-wing UAVs (required).
Experience flying multirotor drones (preferred).
Strong understanding of aerodynamics, CG balancing, and basic aircraft mechanics.
Ability to troubleshoot propulsion systems, particularly turbines.
Familiarity with flight-control systems, tuning, and parameter testing.
Hands-on skills in maintenance and repair of UAV platforms.
Strong safety mindset and ability to operate under test-flight conditions.
Alta Ares builds an autonomous AI defense stack for air defense and ISTAR missions, combining hardware interceptors, software for sensing and decision-making, and a mission-management layer to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It includes Black Bird, a turbojet interceptor for mid-long range threats, and X-Lock, a multirotor interceptor for drone swarms, both with AI-guided terminal guidance that works under jamming. Its software lineup features Pixel Lock for counter-UAS detection and guidance, Gamma ISTAR for real-time edge video intelligence, and Cyclops for sensor fusion and mission planning. The company positions itself as a sovereign European builder serving allied nations from the Baltic to the Indo-Pacific, aiming to provide interoperable, rapidly deployable defense capabilities and to grow its sovereign industrial base; it has a €50M Series A in June 2026 and was the first investment of Airbus-backed E2D defence fund.
Explore more opportunities at Alta Ares