Field Operations Team Lead
Firestorm
Operations
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 123k-155k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 10, 2026
Field Operations Team Lead
San Diego, CA
Field Operations Team
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
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.
What You’ll Do
- 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
Required Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
- This role requires an on-site presence
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
- Willingness to travel up to 40% domestically & internationally for field operations, integration events, & customer support.
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $123,000 - $155,000 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
- 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.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.
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: R130
