Pixis Drones - Chief Drone Pilot

RedPeg Marketing • Alexandria, VA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Pixis Drones crafts awe-inspiring aerial experiences by marrying artistry, engineering, and storytelling. We design and deliver large-scale drone light shows for brands, live events, and cultural moments around the globe. We’re a nimble, innovative, and entrepreneurial team passionate about precision, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of aerial entertainment.

The Chief Pilot serves as the senior flight authority and steward of operational excellence for Pixis Drones’ aerial shows. This full-time role is responsible for overseeing the overall health, maintenance, and readiness of the drone fleet; mentoring and managing the pilot corps; and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local aviation regulations. The Chief Pilot partners closely with the Director of Flight Operations and company leadership to develop and enforce standard operating procedures, safety systems, and compliance frameworks that uphold Pixis’ reputation for safe, spectacular, and technically flawless shows.

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing (required).
• Proven experience flying and leading large-scale drone light shows (hundreds to 1,000+ drones).
• Deep understanding of FAA regulations, airspace authorization, waivers, and drone show permitting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing pilot teams and maintaining operational discipline.
• Proficiency with RTK GNSS, ground control systems, geofencing, and drone show control software (UGCS, PixHawk, etc.).
• Strong relationships with FAA or other aviation regulatory bodies (preferred).
• Exceptional organizational and documentation skills.
• Flexible schedule—willingness to travel (50–75%), including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Background in aviation, aerospace, military, or entertainment technology strongly preferred.
• Ability to lift or carry up to ~50 lbs intermittently; comfortable with walking, standing, and field deployment tasks
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background / MVR checks
• Calm under pressure and responsive in dynamic settings

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience in drone light show operations of 100+ drones — ideally up to swarm sizes in hundreds or more
• Field leadership experience, including directing team operations and safety briefings
• Familiarity with show tech ecosystems (timecode sync, audio/visual integration, communication chains)
• Background in military, robotics, entertainment technology, or aerial systems

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Oversee, mentor, and develop the flight operations team, including all certified Part 107 pilots and co-pilots. Establish and maintain pilot qualification, training, and evaluation programs to ensure consistent proficiency across all personnel. Assign pilots and crews to shows based on skill level, readiness, and project scope. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning within the flight department.
• Fleet & Systems Oversight: Maintain full visibility into the operational health of the drone fleet, including airframes, batteries, RTK ground systems, and control software. Direct maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management of all flight hardware; ensure all equipment meets operational and regulatory standards. Manage maintenance logs, RMA tracking, and system readiness documentation. Collaborate with technical teams to vet and implement new technologies that improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance & Airspace Management: Serve as the company’s primary liaison with the FAA and other relevant regulatory bodies. Submit and manage all flight authorizations, waivers, and NOTAMs required for Pixis shows. Maintain deep knowledge of Part 107, Remote ID, airspace classifications, and evolving regulations relevant to swarm operations and drone light shows. Build and sustain relationships within the FAA and local authorities to advocate for safe, innovative use of drone swarm technology. Monitor upcoming regulatory changes and proactively update company policies and procedures.
• Safety Standards & Operational Protocols: Set and enforce show safety standards, risk mitigation procedures, and go/no-go criteria. Lead the creation and regular revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Operations Manuals, and Emergency Response Plans. Conduct and document pre-mission safety reviews, site assessments, and crew briefings. Evaluate new show sites and airspace to determine risk levels and develop mitigation plans.
• Budgeting & Strategic Operations: Partner with the Director of Flight Operations to create and manage the flight ops department budget. Oversee procurement decisions related to fleet expansion, maintenance, software, and safety systems. Track expenditures and forecast needs to support strategic growth of Pixis flight capabilities.
• Field Operations (as needed): Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Co-Pilot for select high-profile or complex shows to maintain firsthand operational awareness. Represent Pixis as a technical authority during on-site operations, client interactions, and regulatory inspections.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed