FPV Drone Pilot/Instructor

Oak Grove Technologies; Hoffman (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel expenses covered

Benefits package including health insurance

Job summary

Oak Grove Technologies is seeking a First-Person View (FPV) and autonomous drone pilot to support field operations across diverse environments. This position requires operation of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms with responsibilities including mission planning, flight inspections, and training military units.

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to frequently travel for assignments lasting 3-6 months.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years hands-on experience operating Group 1–2 UAS platforms.
• Ability to travel frequently and remain on assignment for 3–6 months.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, and execute FPV and autonomous UAS missions.
• Conduct pre- and post-flight inspections and mission planning.
• Train and mentor military and government units on UAS operations.

Skills

FPV stick skills

GCS software proficiency

Training delivery experience

Situational awareness

Teamwork skills

Tools

ArduPilot

PX4

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Job description

Job Overview

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC, a dynamic and fast-growing federal contractor, is seeking a First-Person View (FPV) and autonomous drone pilot to support field operations and training across diverse environments. You will operate Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms for data collection, testing, training, and mission support. This role requires extensive travel and the ability to remain on assignment for 3–6 months at a time. The position is available as part‑time 1099 instructors or full‑time instructors depending on course scheduling and custom course requests.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, brief, and execute FPV and autonomous UAS missions on Group 1–2 platforms in accordance with SOPs, airspace rules, and customer objectives.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑flight inspections, mission planning, risk assessments, and debriefs; maintain accurate flight and maintenance logs.
• Configure payloads and mission profiles; integrate sensors such as EO/IR, RGB, multispectral and verify data quality.
• Troubleshoot in the field (communications links, GNSS, firmware, GCS, power systems) and perform minor maintenance and repairs.
• Operate safely in varied terrain and weather; establish launch and recovery sites and manage battery and energy logistics.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (ops, safety, engineering, and customers) to meet mission timelines and deliverables.
• Adhere to regulatory and site requirements such as airspace authorizations, NOTAMs/TFRs, LAANC waivers, and range/site rules.
• Contribute to SOP improvements, safety reporting, and after‑action reviews.
• Train and mentor U.S. military units, U.S. government agencies, and partner forces on Group 1–2 UAS operations, safety, and maintenance; develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and field instruction, evaluate proficiency, and document training outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years hands‑on experience operating Group 1–2 UAS platforms, including FPV and autonomous flight modes.
• Demonstrated proficiency with GCS software and mission planning tools such as ArduPilot, PX4, QGroundControl, and Mission Planner.
• Strong FPV stick skills: precise low‑altitude flight, confined‑area navigation, and manual recovery techniques.
• Experience delivering training to professional or government audiences and tailoring instruction to diverse skill levels and mission sets.
• Experience with payload integration and data collection workflows.
• Ability to travel frequently and remain on assignment for 3–6 months; valid passport or ability to obtain one if required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and work comfortably outdoors in varied conditions.
• Excellent situational awareness, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or ability to obtain it within 60 days.
• Prior experience training U.S. military, federal agencies, or partner forces on UAS operations, safety, or maintenance; instructor certifications a plus.
• Experience with BVLOS concepts, waivers, or shielded operations.
• Familiarity with spectrum management and RF link tuning (2.4/5.8 GHz, sub‑GHz, telemetry).
• Field maintenance experience: airframe repairs, ESC/motor swaps, soldering, firmware flashing.
• Sensor experience with EO/IR gimbals, mapping payloads, LiDAR, or thermal imaging.
• Experience on named platforms common in Group 1–2 such as DJI, Skydio, Teledyne FLIR, Ascent/Parrot, Auterion/PX4‑based, and custom builds.

Work Conditions

• Field‑based with extensive travel; deployments may last 3–6 months.
• Irregular hours, weekend and holiday work possible based on mission schedule.
• Outdoor environments including remote sites; PPE and safety protocols provided.

Location

• Field deployments across the U.S. and potentially overseas. Home‑base is flexible with proximity to a major airport preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with field differential and per diem during travel.
• Travel, lodging, and mission‑related expenses covered per company policy.
• Benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Security and Compliance

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to obtain site‑ or program‑specific clearances as required.

Oak Grove Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Oak Grove Technologies, LLC participates in E‑Verify to determine an individual's identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States. E‑Verify is a service of the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.