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Firestorm
Actively hiring
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UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor-Rome, NY

Workplace
On-site
Commitment
Full-time
Seniority
Mid-Level
Salary
$110,000-125,000/yr
Posted
Location
Rome, United States
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As a UAS Operational Pilot & Instructor at Firestorm Labs, you will execute live demonstrations and field exercises, instructing military, civilian, and international users. You will 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 hands-on, dual-role position blends operational flying with technical training and field-level product feedback, working closely with engineering and product teams to ensure mission-ready standards and safe, effective UAS operations. You will also support flight demonstrations and exercises at CONUS and OCONUS locations, requiring travel.

Responsibilities

  • 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

Requirements

  • 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

Nice to have

  • 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

Benefits

  • 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.