FPV Drone Pilot​/Instructor

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.

• 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.

• 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 Ardu Pilot, PX4, QGround
  
  Control, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Field deployments across the U.S. and potentially overseas. Home‑base is flexible with proximity to…