Elite UAS Pilot & Training Instructor

All Aviation Jobs; City of Rome (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Firestorm Labs is seeking a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor to fire live demos and field exercises, instructing military, civilian, and international users. You will advise on UAS tactics and provide field feedback to engineering, shaping how drone tech is deployed.

You’ll travel for CONUS and OCONUS demonstrations and work with engineering, product and operators to maintain mission-ready standards and safe operations.

Qualifications

• 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 GCS in military, commercial, or public safety settings.
• 2+ years of remote-control pilot experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required; obtain in first 30 days of employment.
• FPV flying proficiency from basic manual control through advanced acro and precision maneuvering.
• 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.

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 GCS in tactical, test, and field environments, including austere locations.
• Fly FPV aircraft across the full skill range, from basic manual control to advanced maneuvering.
• Conduct mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and operational risk management (ORM).
• Deliver hands-on instruction in UAS mission planning, execution, emergency procedures, and modular payload integration.
• Train US and international operators to meet mission readiness standards.
• Teach safe Group 2/3 fixed-wing (GCS) operations and aeronautical decision-making within training frameworks.
• Instruct FPV operators from basic through advanced flight skills.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, safety protocols, and risk mitigation procedures.
• Provide field feedback to engineering on UAS performance and payload integration.
• Support creation of training syllabi, courseware, and mission briefs.

Skills

Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS operations

GCS operation

FPV flight proficiency

Instruction delivery

Mission planning & ORM

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

FPV hardware

RC systems

Flight controllers

Cameras & motors

Job description

Firestorm Labs is seeking a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor to fire live demos and field exercises, instructing military, civilian, and international users. You will advise on UAS tactics and provide field feedback to engineering, shaping how drone tech is deployed.

You’ll travel for CONUS and OCONUS demonstrations and work with engineering, product and operators to maintain mission-ready standards and safe operations.