Field Operations Team Lead

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

4h•$123,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is seeking a Field Operations Team Lead to own and lead all aspects of field execution for our UAS platforms. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and scaling field operations while ensuring safety, operational excellence, and consistent execution across programs. You will lead and develop Field Service Representatives, act as the primary operational authority during field deployments, and ensure field activities directly support platform readiness, customer success, and xCell execution. This position plays a critical role in connecting field operations with Engineering, Flight Operations, Manufacturing, and Business Development, translating real-world field insights into actionable improvements across the organization.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in field operations, logistics, or operational leadership roles
3+ years of formal instructor experience
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Demonstrated experience leading teams in field, operational, or mission-driven environments
Strong background in logistics planning, procurement, and execution for distributed or remote operations
Proven ability to make sound decisions and lead under time-sensitive and high-consequence conditions
Experience supporting international operations, including customs, shipping, and regulatory coordination
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to align cross-functional teams
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, make tradeoffs, and drive alignment across engineering and business functions
High level of ownership; you run toward the fire.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in field operations, logistics, or operational leadership roles
Prior military experience, particularly in operations, logistics, or mission command roles
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience leading or supporting customer-facing field services teams
Proficiency in one or more additional spoken languages
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, or Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification
Experience with ArduPilot, PX4, or comparable UAS flight control systems
Passion for building tools that serve operators in complex, real-world environments
Background in startup or high-growth environments

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of domestic and international field operations for Firestorm UAS platforms
Serve as the on-site operational lead during field deployments, testing events, demonstrations, and customer engagements
Manage, mentor, and develop Field Service Representatives, setting clear expectations and ensuring consistent execution standards
Coordinates and works closely with multiple customers on training, demonstrations, and customer service visits, as well as various other operational requests worldwide
Establish and enforce safety, logistics, and operational best practices across all field activities
Deliver pre-deployment safety briefings and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) training to field teams
Oversee logistics planning, including transportation, deployment, recovery, and sustainment of hardware and personnel
Direct domestic and international shipping and receiving of UAS platforms, subsystems, and mission-critical equipment
Support xCell operations by ensuring field teams are properly trained, equipped, and operationally aligned with program objectives
Partner with Flight Operations to support flight testing, demonstrations, and operational missions
Oversee post-manufacturing flight acceptance and readiness processes prior to deployment
Capture, synthesize, and communicate engineering observations and customer insights from field operations to inform platform and process improvements
Identifies design and operational deficiencies and recommends improvements to Product Line Management
Collaborates with Program Managers, Engineers, Business Development and Product Line Management to ensure Field Operations involvement during all phases of planning, development, and fielding
Develops plans and policies, monitors operations, reports to and advises leadership team on all matters pertaining to field training and field demonstration events
Assists in development of operator manuals, checklists, FSR certification and currency programs as well as other internal and external training tools as required
Able to plan and execute a dynamic schedule and solve rigorous and last-minute customer demands
Coordinates with Trade Compliance on international training and demonstrations to ensure compliance
Troubleshoot and resolve operational, logistical, and technical issues in real time under dynamic field conditions
Own field procurement and on-site resource coordination to ensure uninterrupted mission execution

Benefits

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Equity grants for new hires
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & 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. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.