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About the Role

As a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor at Firestorm Labs, you will be a key member executing live demonstration & field exercises, instructing military, civilian and international users. You will apply established UAS tactics, techniques and procedures, and flag improvement opportunities to engineering. You will fly and instruct across two disciplines: Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS operated via ground control station (GCS), and FPV aircraft, from basic manual flight through advanced acro and precision maneuvering. This is a hands-on, dual-role position that blends operational flying with technical training and field-level product feedback, supporting critical flight missions, delivering high-impact training, and enabling tactical integration across diverse operational environments. Your work will directly shape how advanced drone technology is deployed and scaled.

Responsibilities

Execute UAS flight missions in support of R&D, demos, customer engagements, exercises and operational deployments
Operate Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS via ground control station (GCS) in tactical, test, and field environments—including austere or remote locations
Fly FPV aircraft across the full skill range, from basic manual control through advanced acro and precision maneuvering
Conduct mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and operational risk management (ORM)
Deliver hands-on instruction in areas such as UAS mission planning, execution, emergency procedures, and modular payload integration, using established curricula
Train US and International operators to meet mission readiness standards
Teach safe Group 2/3 fixed-wing (GCS) operations and aeronautical decision-making principles within established training frameworks
Instruct FPV operators from basic through advanced flight skills, within established training frameworks
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, internal safety protocols, and risk mitigation procedures
Serve as a knowledgeable resource on Group 2/3 fixed-wing and FPV operational use cases and test/evaluation activities within your team
Provide field feedback to engineering on UAS performance and payload integration
Support the creation of training syllabi, courseware, and mission brief materials for your assigned programs
Develop training content, after-action reviews (AARs), and technical documentation
Lead structured post-flight debriefs to capture lessons learned and inform future mission planning
Report field observations and operator feedback to engineering and product teams

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
4+ years of experience operating Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS via ground control station (GCS) in military, commercial, or public safety settings.
2+ years of remote-control pilot experience
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required in order to fly, must obtain in first 30 days of employment
FPV flying proficiency from basic manual control through advanced acro and precision maneuvering experience
Hands-on experience with FPV systems, including RC, flight controllers, cameras, motors, propellers and peripherals.
Basic drone maintenance experience
Experience flying with precise control and advanced maneuvering
Experience with mission planning, radio communications, and flight safety procedures

Skills

UAS flight missions
Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS operation via GCS
FPV aircraft operation
Mission planning
Airspace deconfliction
Operational risk management (ORM)
UAS instruction
Modular payload integration
FAA regulations compliance
Internal safety protocols
Risk mitigation procedures
UAS operational use cases
Test and evaluation activities
Field feedback provision
Training syllabi creation
Courseware development
Mission brief material creation
Training content development
After-action reviews (AARs)
Technical documentation
Post-flight debriefs
Field observations reporting
Operator feedback reporting
Remote-control pilot experience
FPV systems experience
RC, flight controllers, cameras, motors, propellers and peripherals experience
Drone maintenance
Precise control flying
Advanced maneuvering
Radio communications
Flight safety procedures
FPV drone systems
Drone racing
Aerial videography techniques
FPV components and systems
RC RX/TX
Video transmitters (VTX)
EO/IR payloads
LiDAR payloads
Multispectral payloads
JADC2 environments
Tactical network integration
UAS hardware/software integration
Telemetry
Mission planning tools

Location

San Diego, CA
CONUS
OCONUS

Work Type

Onsite
Travel up to 25%

Experience Level

4+ years of experience operating Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS
2+ years of remote-control pilot experience

Education Level

High School Diploma
GED
Equivalent education

Salary/Compensations

$110,000 - $125,000 base

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Equity grants
Unlimited PTO
Generous company holiday calendar
Holiday hiatus in July & December
Generous Parental Leave
Lifestyle Spending Account
FSA
DCFSA
HSA
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Accident insurance
Basic Life/AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm
Option to purchase additional life insurance
Mental Health Resources (free 24/7 therapy)
Work-life services (free legal and financial support)

About the Company

Firestorm Labs is shaping the future of autonomous systems for national security.
At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered.
Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies.
We call this vision “democratized deterrence.”
As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators.
By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design.
We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost.
Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

Equal Opportunity

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment.
If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.