UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor
Firestorm
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 90k-120k / year
Posted on Jun 12, 2025
UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor
San Diego, CA
Business Development
In office
Full-time
Who We Are
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.
About the Role
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.
What You’ll Do
- 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
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 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
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior military 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
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
- There will be training and flight demonstration events, both CONUS and OCONUS, which will require travel to support.
- Will include working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- 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.
ITAR Compliance
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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 [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
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Req ID: R37
