UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

5d•$90,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Firestorm Labs, we’re shaping the future of autonomous systems for national security. As a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor, you’ll be a key member of our team—executing live demonstration & field exercises, instructing military, civilian and international users. You’ll also develop next-generation UAS tactics, techniques and procedures that drive the integration of cutting-edge UAS capabilities. 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. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, product and front-line operators, to ensure mission-ready standards, and safe, effective and repeatable UAS operations. Your work will directly shape how advanced drone technology is deployed and scaled. There will be operational flight demonstrations and exercises at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support.

Requirements

Minimum of 4 years of experience operating Group 1-3 UAS in military, commercial, or public safety settings.
2+ years of remote-control pilot experience
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Demonstrated expertise with Group 1-3 UAS to include FPV drone flying
Hands-on experience with FPV systems, including RC, flight controllers, cameras, motors, propellers and peripherals.
Demonstrated proficiency in flying with precise control and advanced maneuvering
Skilled in mission planning, radio communications, and flight safety procedures
Excellent situational awareness, communication, and decision-making under pressure
Able to work independently in dynamic settings with limited oversight
Willing to travel up to 25%
Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)
U.S. Citizen & eligibility to obtain or maintain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Prior military service, specifically with Group 1-3 UAS, or tactical drone operations experience
Experience with FPV drone systems, drone racing and aerial videography techniques
Strong knowledge of FPV components and systems, including RC RX/TX, flight controllers, video transmitters (VTX), and supporting peripherals
Ability to effectively teach and communicate FPV flight theory and safe operational practices
Familiarity with EO/IR, LiDAR, or multispectral payloads
Knowledge of JADC2 environments and tactical network integration
Certified instructor or evaluator (civilian or DoD)
Experience developing training pipelines, SOPs, or certification standards
Technical experience with UAS hardware/software integration, telemetry, or mission planning tools

Responsibilities

Execute UAS flight missions in support of R&D, demos, customer engagements, exercises and operational deployments
Operate Group 1–3 UAS in tactical, test, and field environments—including austere or remote locations
Conduct mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and operational risk management (ORM)
Lead hands-on instruction in areas such as UAS mission planning, execution, emergency procedures, and modular payload integration
Train US and International operators to meet mission readiness standards
Teach safe Group 1-3 operations and aeronautical decision-making principles tailored to dynamic flight environments
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, internal safety protocols, and risk mitigation procedures
Serve as a subject matter expert for Group 1-3 UAS operational use cases, test and evaluation, supporting product integration with end-users
Collaborate with engineering and senior leadership to inform UAS development, system improvements, and operational capabilities
Support the creation of training syllabi, courseware, and mission brief materials to standardize instruction across teams
Develop training content, after-action reviews (AARs), and technical documentation
Lead structured post-flight debriefs to capture lessons learned and inform future mission planning
Provide operational feedback to engineering and product teams to drive system improvements

Benefits

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Unlimited PTO
Generous Parental Leave
FSA
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.