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UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-Rome, NY
Job Location:
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
11 September 2026 (18 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
9 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
At Firestorm Labs were shaping the future of autonomous systems for national security. As a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor youll be a key member of our teamexecuting live demonstration & field exercises instructing military civilian and international users. Youll also apply established UAS tactics techniques and procedures and flag improvement opportunities to engineering. Youll 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. Youll 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 Youll 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 environmentsincluding 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 were on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressorsregardless of their defense budgetthrough innovative cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision democratized deterrence. As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley were pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness were 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: $110000 - $125000 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 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 PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in July & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital 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) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status or any other characteristic under federal state or local law including those with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities women Veterans and those with disabilities to apply and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
IC
