RPIC UAS Flight Test Pilot — Fixed-Wing

Firestorm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) plan

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Holiday calendar

Job summary

Firestorm in San Diego, CA, is seeking a UAS Flight Test Pilot to join the Flight Test Team. You will pilot fixed-wing UAVs through developmental testing and live demonstrations, support test events, and help ensure flight readiness and regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years piloting Group 1–3 UAS, RPIC experience, and FAA Part 107 certification. This on-site role offers close collaboration with engineering, operations, and customer teams in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Five+ years piloting fixed-wing UAS Group 1-3, autonomous or remotely piloted.
• RPIC experience (2+ years) is required.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required.
• Strong documentation and reporting capabilities in flight testing.

Responsibilities

• Pilot fixed-wing UAVs for developmental testing, training, and live demos.
• Conduct Functional Check Flights and verify flight readiness.
• Plan and execute flight test events including logistics and scheduling.
• Train RPICs and Safety Pilots on procedures and safety.
• Develop and maintain training materials, manuals, and SOPs.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to capture field observations.
• Assist in regulatory approvals and test range coordination.
• Analyze test data and provide actionable feedback to engineers.

Skills

UAS piloting (Group 1-3)

RPIC experience

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Flight safety & regulatory compliance

Technical writing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Hands-on experience in lieu of degree

Tools

UAS simulation tools

Ground Control Stations

Python/C++ programming

Telemetry systems

Job description

Firestorm in San Diego, CA, is seeking a UAS Flight Test Pilot to join the Flight Test Team. You will pilot fixed-wing UAVs through developmental testing and live demonstrations, support test events, and help ensure flight readiness and regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years piloting Group 1–3 UAS, RPIC experience, and FAA Part 107 certification. This on-site role offers close collaboration with engineering, operations, and customer teams in a fast-paced startup environment.