UAS Flight Test Pilot - Autonomous Systems Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, visions

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Firestorm Labs is seeking a driven UAS Flight Test Pilot to join our Flight Test Team, supporting flight operations across the full lifecycle of our UAVs and leading test events.

You will pilot UAVs, assist in test event planning, train RPICs and SPs, maintain flight readiness, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards while collaborating with engineering and operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience piloting fixed-wing Group 1-3 UAS, autonomous or remotely piloted.
• 2+ years of RPIC experience and ability to supervise flight operations.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DoD clearance per ITAR requirements.
• Experience with flight documentation: checklists, test cards, post-flight reports.
• Strong collaboration with technical teams and clear written communication.
• Proficiency in or exposure to Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Pilot fixed-wing UAVs for developmental testing, training, and live demonstrations.
• Conduct functional check flights on newly assembled aircraft and verify readiness.
• Support planning and execution of flight test events, including logistics and coordination.
• Train RPICs and Safety Pilots on procedures and SOPs.
• Develop training materials, flight manuals, and SOP documentation.
• Deliver flight and assembly training to customers.
• Verify aircraft configuration against test cards and BOMs before deployment.
• Track aircraft status and manage inventory of flight-critical components.
• Coordinate with test ranges and regulatory bodies for approvals.
• Execute and support test campaigns on sub-scale and full-scale UAVs.
• Collect and analyze test data; provide feedback to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with autonomy, software, hardware, and manufacturing teams.
• Participate in customer demonstrations, training, and field exercises.
• Identify areas for safety, logistics, and test execution improvements.
• Maintain currency with FAA regulations and UAS operating best practices.
• Coordinate with private and government ranges for testing and approvals.

Skills

Fixed-wing UAS piloting

RPIC experience

FAA Part 107

Security clearance eligibility

Flight documentation

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical writing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

UAS simulation tools

Ground control stations

Telemetry systems

Avionics knowledge

Job description

Firestorm Labs is seeking a driven UAS Flight Test Pilot to join our Flight Test Team, supporting flight operations across the full lifecycle of our UAVs and leading test events.

You will pilot UAVs, assist in test event planning, train RPICs and SPs, maintain flight readiness, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards while collaborating with engineering and operations.