UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-San Diego

Posted today

firestormSan Diego (CA)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Flight Training

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$110,000 - $125,000

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About the role

UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor 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 educationU.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 experienceFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required in order to fly, must obtain in first 30 days of employmentFPV 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 experienceExperience 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 experienceExperience 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.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision "democratized deterrence." As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we're pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we're pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

Work Environment: Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate. There will be training and flight demonstration events, both CONUS and OCONUS, which will require travel to support up to 25% of the time. Will include working in outdoor environments under various weather conditions. Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)Compensation

Base salary: $110,000 - $125,000 base, commensurate with experience

Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks: Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Equity grants for new hires
Unlimited PTOExtremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July, & December.
Generous Parental Leave
Lifestyle Spending AccountFSADCFSAHSAHospital Indemnity insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Accident insurance
Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

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