UAV Flight Operator
Destinus
UAV Flight Operator
Destinus
European defense firm manufacturing missiles
Destinus · Madrid, Spain · Full-time · Posted 2026-01-20
Workplace: on_site
Department: R&D & Engineering
About the role
Imagine being part of a flight operations team where every mission matters. From early-morning checks to last-light recoveries, you operate fixed-wing UAVs in demanding environments where precision, reliability, and technical judgment are non-negotiable. This role is not just about flying. It is about owning the aircraft, the ground control station, and the mission from preparation to post-flight analysis, with a strong flight test mentality and hands-on technical responsibility.
At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs. Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.
What You´ll Do
• Operate and support fixed-wing UAV missions in operational and test environments, acting as pilot, technician, and ground control station operator
• Conduct pre-flight planning including airspace coordination, weather analysis, system checks, and risk assessment
• Perform launch, flight, and recovery of fixed-wing UAVs in manual, assisted, and autonomous modes
• Operate and manage ground control stations, datalinks, and communication systems during missions
• Fly with a strong flight test mindset, executing test points and adapting profiles throughout the day when conditions allow
• Operate EO/IR and visual payloads for surveillance, reconnaissance, mapping, and tracking
• Ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance in VLOS and BVLOS operations
• Maintain accurate flight logs, checklists, maintenance records, and system documentation
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and field-level repairs on UAV systems
• Collaborate closely with engineers, mission planners, and data teams to improve aircraft performance and mission workflows
• Travel frequently for training, test flights, and demonstrations, including deployments to safe operational zones
• Operate from multiple bases including Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, and safe zones in Ukraine
• Remain abroad for extended periods when mission requirements demand it
What You’ll Need
• At least 3 years of experience flying fixed-wing UAVs in manual and autonomous modes
• Hands-on experience operating ground control stations and mission systems
• Valid UAV flight certifications A1, A2, A3, and Specific
• Proven operational or flight test experience in reconnaissance, surveillance, or experimental flight environments
• Strong technical knowledge of UAV avionics, telemetry, electronics, datalinks, and communication architectures
• Experience working as a technician-operator hybrid in production or operational environments
• Familiarity with European airspace regulations and operational procedures
• Flexibility to conduct multiple flights per day depending on operational needs
• Ability to work in remote, offshore, or high-pressure environments
• Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and safety-driven decision making
• Experience with catapult systems and rocket engines for UAV launch is highly valued
• Fluency in English with Spanish, French, German or any other language are a plus
Who You Are
• You are a hands-on operator with a strong technical and flight test mindset
• You are comfortable flying fixed-wing UAVs manually and not multirotor platforms
• You feel at ease operating ground control stations and solving technical issues in real time
• You are adaptable, autonomous, and ready to fly whenever conditions allow
• You value discipline, safety, and precision in every mission
• You take ownership of both the aircraft and the mission outcome
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Destinus designs and manufactures defense systems for European and allied armed forces, focusing on scalable missiles, air defense, and interception. Key products include the Ruta cruise missile and the HORNET interceptor, which can perform precision strikes and operate in GPS-denied environments with AI-assisted guidance. It serves as a prime contractor under fixed-price contracts, and collaborates on naval applications (containerized HORNET) with Rheinmetall while leading the Bliksem EXO program for Europe’s sovereign exo-atmospheric missile defense. The company aims to scale production to deliver near-term military capability for European governments and to build sovereign defense capabilities through integrated, multi-domain, cost-effective technologies.
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