Flight Operations Drone Pilot

XTEND; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

XTEND is seeking a Flight Operations Drone Pilot in Tampa, FL. The candidate will be responsible for the safe operation and mission execution of unmanned aircraft systems, supporting engineering and operational requirements.

The ideal candidate should possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and experience in small UAS. Responsibilities include pre-flight operations, mission planning, and ensuring safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems in training, testing, or operational environments.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic field environments.
• Ability to travel and support field operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-flight, flight, and post-flight operations for unmanned aircraft systems.
• Execute mission profiles, flight test events, and demonstrations.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and company procedures.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems

Knowledge of UAS flight operations

Strong communication skills

Job description

Flight Operations Drone Pilot

• Operations
• Tampa, FL

Description

The Flight Operations Drone Pilot is responsible for the safe operation, mission execution, and flight testing of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in support of customer, engineering, training, and operational requirements.

This position conducts flight operations, supports system evaluations, assists with mission planning, and ensures compliance with company procedures and applicable aviation regulations.

• Main Responsibilities
• Conduct pre-flight, flight, and post-flight operations for unmanned aircraft systems
• Execute mission profiles, flight test events, demonstrations, and training operations
• Develop and review flight plans, risk assessments, and mission documentation
• Monitor aircraft performance and respond to abnormal operating conditions during flight operations
• Coordinate with engineering, program management, and customer personnel during flight activities
• Collect, document, and report flight data, observations, and mission results
• Perform pre-flight inspections and verify aircraft airworthiness and mission readiness
• Support customer training, operational demonstrations, and fielding activities
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company flight procedures, and safety requirements
• Assist in troubleshooting operational issues and provide feedback to engineering teams for system improvements
• Travel as required to support testing, training, demonstrations, and customer operations

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Experience operating small unmanned aircraft systems in training, testing, or operational environments
• Knowledge of UAS flight operations, mission planning, and airspace considerations.
• Ability to work independently in dynamic field environments
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills
• Ability to travel and support field operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Military aviation or UAS operational experience
• Experience conducting developmental testing, operational testing, or customer demonstrations
• Familiarity with ISR, tactical UAS, or counter-UAS operations
• Experience operating Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft systems
• Active or previously held security clearance