UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-Rome, NY

Firestorm•Rome, NY

9d•$110,000 - $125,000•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 apply established UAS tactics, techniques and procedures, and flag improvement opportunities to engineering. You’ll 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. 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

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

Nice To Haves

Prior military service, specifically with Group 2/3 fixed-wing 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 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

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
Equity grants
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a 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. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available.