Drone Test & Operations Technician in Berlin

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our team develops mission-critical systems that combine hardware, software, sensing, and robotics to operate reliably in complex real-world environments.

Operating in stealth mode, we place strong emphasis on hands-on execution, technical curiosity, and real-world testing.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Drone Test & Operations Technician to build, maintain, prepare, and operate drones used in our testing and data collection activities.

This is a highly hands-on role. You will spend your time assembling and repairing custom FPV drones, preparing equipment for field tests, configuring and calibrating flight systems, operating drones during controlled test campaigns, and making sure that telemetry, video, and flight data are recorded correctly.

You do not need to be an engineer or have a university degree.

We are specifically looking for someone who is technically capable, practical, reliable, and eager to learn. You might come from a technical apprenticeship, electronics or mechatronics background, drone or RC hobby, workshop environment, or simply have substantial hands-on experience building technical projects yourself.

Previous professional drone experience is not required. If you know how to work with tools, understand basic electronics, enjoy building things, and are motivated to become very good at operating FPV drones, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Drone Assembly & Maintenance

• Build and assemble custom FPV drones used for testing
• Install and replace motors, ESCs, flight controllers, receivers, cameras, antennas, and related components
• Solder, wire, repair, and troubleshoot drone electronics
• Configure and calibrate flight controllers and radio systems
• Inspect drones before and after flights
• Diagnose damaged or malfunctioning components and perform straightforward repairs
• Keep drones, batteries, tools, spare parts, and test equipment organized and ready for use

Drone Operations

• Prepare and operate FPV and other drones during controlled outdoor test campaigns
• Develop strong FPV piloting skills through regular practice and training
• Execute repeatable flight profiles according to test requirements
• Support operation of fixed-wing platforms where required
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight checks
• Obtain the required EU drone pilot qualification as part of the role

Field Testing

• Prepare drones, batteries, ground equipment, tools, and spare parts for test days
• Set up and support equipment at outdoor test locations
• Work closely with engineering teams during live testing
• Follow defined test procedures and flight plans
• Identify practical issues with equipment and communicate them clearly to the team
• Support safe and efficient execution of field-test activities

Data Collection

• Ensure required data is recorded correctly during test flights, including:
• RGB video
• Flight telemetry
• GPS data
• Transfer and organize recorded data after testing
• Maintain clear records connecting flights, configurations, and collected datasets
• Support engineers with basic preparation and organization of test data

Flight Safety

• Take responsibility for safe drone operation during assigned flights
• Perform structured pre-flight safety checks
• Follow applicable airspace and operating procedures
• Maintain appropriate separation between aircraft, personnel, and equipment
• Stop operations when conditions are unsafe

What You Need

• Strong motivation to work hands-on with drones and technical hardware
• Basic technical understanding of electronics, mechanics, mechatronics, RC systems, or a comparable area
• Confidence using basic hand tools and willingness to learn soldering and electronics repair
• Ability to work carefully and follow technical and safety procedures
• Willingness to spend significant time working outdoors at test sites
• Reliability and attention to detail
• Motivation to learn FPV flying and become a highly capable drone operator
• Willingness to obtain the required EU drone pilot qualification
• Ability to work fully onsite in Berlin
• Citizenship of an EU member state

A university degree is not required.

Preferred – But Not Required

Any of the following is helpful, but we encourage you to apply even if you do not have them:

• Experience building or repairing FPV drones
• FPV flying experience
• RC aircraft or fixed-wing experience
• Familiarity with Betaflight
• Soldering experience
• Experience with motors, ESCs, flight controllers, batteries, receivers, or radio systems
• Vocational training in mechatronics, electronics, electrical engineering, mechanics, or a related technical profession
• Personal maker, electronics, robotics, RC, or drone projects

What We Offer

• VSOP / equity participation
• Central Berlin office
• Hands-on training and development
• Opportunity to become a highly skilled FPV and drone test operator
• Work directly with advanced robotics and defense technology
• Significant responsibility from an early stage
• Monthly voucher
• Public transportation subsidies

Who You Are

• Hands-on: You would rather build and test something than spend all day behind a desk.
• Technically curious: You enjoy understanding how electronics, motors, radios, and mechanical systems work.
• Motivated: You may not know everything yet, but you learn quickly and want to become excellent at what you do.
• Careful: You take equipment, flight procedures, and safety seriously.
• Practical: When something does not work, your instinct is to inspect it, troubleshoot it, and find the problem.
• Reliable: The team can count on you to prepare equipment properly and follow through on your responsibilities.
• Comfortable outdoors: You enjoy practical field work and are happy spending test days outside.