Drone Pilot

Nova Sky Stories; Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading drone entertainment company in Virginia is seeking a skilled Person Manipulating the Controls (PMTC) to operate large-scale drone light shows under the authority of a Pilot in Command. The PMTC will monitor real-time system performance, ensure safety compliance, and work closely with event organizers. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and be able to make time-critical decisions in high-pressure situations. This role offers exciting opportunities to work in dynamic environments and travel for shows.

Qualifications

• Proficient in interpreting data streams and managing live operations.
• Basic understanding of engineering, electronics, and software engineering.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Serve as pilot ensuring compliance with regulations and safety.
• Operate drone fleet during live shows under direction of the PIC.
• Lead setup and conduct pre-flight checks on drones.
• Coordinate with ground crew and event organizers.
• Supply continuous feedback for performance optimization.

Skills

Interpreting data streams

Time-critical decision-making

Basic engineering understanding

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Nova Sky Stories empowers artists and producers to bring awe and wonder to live audiences around the world. As the global leader in drone entertainment, we have been redefining live shows for over a decade—merging cutting-edge drone technology with imaginative artistry. With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise, and safe drones that perform in demanding environments—urban centers, extreme temperatures, and high winds. The result is Sky Stories that inspire, captivate, and transform the sky into a canvas of imagination. Headquartered in the U.S. with teams across Europe and the UAE, Nova Sky Stories works with the world’s leading brands, venues, and events.

We are seeking a skilled Person Manipulating the Controls (PMTC) to operate our large-scale drone light show systems under the authority of a designated Pilot in Command (PIC).

The PMTC is the hands-on flight operator responsible for executing launches, monitoring the drone fleet in real time, and responding to aircraft and system behavior throughout the show. While the PIC retains full legal and safety authority, the PMTC plays a critical role in live execution and operational performance. This role sits at the intersection of aviation, robotics, and live entertainment, supporting synchronized fleets of hundreds to thousands of aircraft at some of the world’s most high-profile events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a pilot responsible for flying shows and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and best practices. Prioritize the safety of spectators, crew members, and surrounding airspace.
• Operate Nova’s drone fleet during live shows as the Person Manipulating the Controls. Execute launches, holds, aborts, and recoveries under the direction of the PIC. Monitor aircraft health, telemetry, GNSS, and communications during flight.
• Operate Nova’s ground control systems, networking, and flight software. Load, verify, and execute flight plans and show content. Respond in real time to system alerts, aircraft faults, or degraded conditions.
• Lead load-in and load-out of the entire airfield & pilot system setup. Conduct pre-flight checks on drones, batteries, ground infrastructure, and control systems. Assist with post-flight inspections, logging, and maintenance reporting.
• Coordinate closely with ground crew, technical staff, and event organizers to communicate flight plans, timing cues, and any other operational considerations prior, during, and after shows.
• Supply continuous feedback and evaluation of performance metrics to identify areas of improvement and optimization.
• Fly large-scale drone light shows: 200-2000 drone light shows using our system.
• Assist with drone repairs.

Required Qualifications

• Proficient in interpreting several incoming streams of data and managing time-critical activities. Able to stay focused and decisive during high-pressure live operations.
• Basic understanding of engineering/electronics/software engineering to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on drones.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal. Proactive communication is highly valued.

Nice to Have

• Experience flying large fleets or synchronized UAS systems
• Background in aviation, robotics, or live technical production
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FAA, EASA, GCAA, etc.)
• Experience working in touring or event-based operations
• Willing to travel up to several weekends per month, to various states/countries, and remain there for 2-3 nights and support a show. Opportunities may exist for extended periods, in the case of drone residencies.
• Willing to lift loads up to 20kg/44lb, work outdoors, and set up equipment

What Defines You

• Highly reliable, organized, and execution-focused.
• Calm under pressure and effective in an onsite operating environment.
• A clear, proactive communicator who escalates issues early and appropriately.
• Team-oriented, humble, and eager to learn.
• Motivated by operational excellence, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Interested in growing into increased production ownership over time.

If you’re ready to play a key role in supporting the operational backbone of a company redefining storytelling in the sky, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to help keep Nova Sky Stories flying high.