UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-San Diego

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.

• 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

• 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…