UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-San Diego

All Aviation Jobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Firestorm Labs seeks a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor to execute live demonstrations and field exercises, instructing military, civilian, and international users. You will work with Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS via GCS and FPV aircraft, from basic manual flight to advanced maneuvers.

In this dual-role position you will blend operational flying with technical training, providing field feedback to engineering and helping to shape training syllabi and mission materials.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain DoD clearance
• 4+ years operating Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS via GCS in relevant settings
• 2+ years remote-control pilot experience
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required within 30 days of employment
• FPV flying proficiency from basic to advanced maneuvers
• Experience with FPV systems and related peripherals
• Basic drone maintenance experience

Responsibilities

• Execute UAS flight missions supporting R&D, demos, engagements, exercises and deployments
• Operate Group 2/3 UAS via GCS in tactical, test, and field environments
• Fly FPV aircraft from basic manual control to advanced acro and precision maneuvers
• Conduct mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and ORM
• Deliver hands-on instruction on mission planning, execution, and emergency procedures
• Train US and international operators to meet readiness standards
• Teach safe Group 2/3 and FPV operations within training frameworks
• Provide field feedback to engineering on performance and payload integration
• Develop training content, syllabi, and courseware
• Lead post-flight debriefs and capture lessons learned
• Report observations to engineering and product teams

Skills

Group 2/3 UAS

FPV flying

GCS operations

Remote pilot

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

RC systems

Flight controllers

Job description

At Firestorm Labs, we're shaping the future of autonomous systems for national security. As a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor, you'll be a key member of our team- executing live demonstration & field exercises, instructing military, civilian and international users. You'll also apply established UAS tactics, techniques and procedures, and flag improvement opportunities to engineering. You'll fly and instruct across two disciplines: Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS operated via ground control station (GCS), and FPV aircraft, from basic manual flight through advanced acro and precision maneuvering.

This is a hands-on, dual-role position that blends operational flying with technical training and field-level product feedback. Supporting critical flight missions, delivering high-impact training, and enabling tactical integration across diverse operational environments. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, product and front-line operators, to ensure mission-ready standards, and safe, effective and repeatable UAS operations. Your work will directly shape how advanced drone technology is deployed and scaled.

There will be operational flight demonstrations and exercises at both CONUS and OCONUS locations that will require travel to support.

What You'll Do

• Execute UAS flight missions in support of R&D, demos, customer engagements, exercises and operational deployments
• Operate Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS via ground control station (GCS) in tactical, test, and field environments - including austere or remote locations
• Fly FPV aircraft across the full skill range, from basic manual control through advanced acro and precision maneuvering
• Conduct mission planning, airspace deconfliction, and operational risk management (ORM)
• Deliver hands-on instruction in areas such as UAS mission planning, execution, emergency procedures, and modular payload integration, using established curricula
• Train US and International operators to meet mission readiness standards
• Teach safe Group 2/3 fixed-wing (GCS) operations and aeronautical decision-making principles within established training frameworks
• Instruct FPV operators from basic through advanced flight skills, within established training frameworks
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, internal safety protocols, and risk mitigation procedures
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on Group 2/3 fixed-wing and FPV operational use cases and test/evaluation activities within your team
• Provide field feedback to engineering on UAS performance and payload integration
• Support the creation of training syllabi, courseware, and mission brief materials for your assigned programs
• Develop training content, after-action reviews (AARs), and technical documentation
• Lead structured post-flight debriefs to capture lessons learned and inform future mission planning
• Report field observations and operator feedback to engineering and product teams

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military service, specifically with Group 2/3 fixed-wing UAS, or tactical drone operations experience
• Experience with FPV drone systems, drone racing and aerial videography techniques
• Strong knowledge of FPV components and systems, including RC RX/TX, flight controllers, video transmitters (VTX), and supporting peripherals
• Ability to effectively teach and communicate FPV flight theory and safe operational practices
• Familiarity with EO/IR, LiDAR, or multispectral payloads
• Knowledge of JADC2 environments and tactical network integration
• Certified instructor or evaluator (civilian or DoD)
• Experience developing training pipelines, SOPs, or certification standards
• Technical experience with UAS hardware/software integration, telemetry, or mission planning tools

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we're on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U