Enter a job title or keyword
UAS Test Pilot, EP
Job Location:
Job Location:
San Diego, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 92000 - 121000
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
21 August 2026 (Yesterday)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
18 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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 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 us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.
About the Role
Firestorm Labs is seeking a driven and experienced UAS Test Pilot Emergency Pilot (EP) to join our Flight Test this high-impact individual contributor role youll support flight operations across the full lifecycle of our UAVs with a focus on aircraft readiness safe execution and operational reliability. From build validation and flight testing to field deployment and customer demonstrations you will pilot UAVs perform safety pilot duties assist in test event planning and help ensure all operations meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards.
Youll be a key contributor to maintaining fleet readiness and supporting flight test execution working closely with engineering flight operations and integration teams. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced cross-functional environments and enjoys working hands-on with complex autonomous systems. Youll play a critical role in ensuring our UAVs are prepared reliable and mission-ready in real-world conditions.
What Youll Do
- Pilot fixed-wing UAVs in support of flight testing training and operational activities
- Perform Safety Pilot duties during test and evaluation of new and existing UAS platforms
- Ensure aircraft are flight-ready through pre-flight validation configuration checks and functional verification
- Conduct Functional Check Flights (FCF) as needed to validate aircraft readiness
- Partner with Flight Test Engineers and Test teams to support flight test planning and execution
- Maintain continuous readiness and accountability of assigned UAS fleet and support equipment
- Support end-to-end logistics for demos deployments and field exercises including transport and setup
- Track aircraft status maintenance needs and configuration control across platforms
- Perform basic troubleshooting maintenance and coordination of repairs to ensure operational availability
- Ensure compliance with FAA regulations airspace requirements and internal flight safety standards
- Coordinate with test ranges and internal stakeholders to support safe and efficient operations
- Collect and document flight data observations and discrepancies; provide actionable feedback to Engineering and R&D
- Maintain accurate records of flight operations maintenance and training activities
- Support training of pilots and operators on procedures safety protocols and system operation
- Respond to operational needs in dynamic environments ensuring mission success and fleet availability
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve safety readiness and operational execution
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field; may substitute equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of a degree
- Minimum 5 years of experience piloting fixed-wing Group 1-3 UAS including autonomous and/or remotely piloted systems
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
- Experience serving as RPIC and/or Safety Pilot in flight operations
- Familiarity with flight documentation including checklists test cards and post-flight reports
- Hands-on experience building modifying or maintaining UAS or RC aircraft systems
- Strong understanding of flight operations safety procedures and airspace coordination
- Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Strong technical writing skills for documentation SOPs and manufacturing procedures
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
- 7 years of experience piloting fixed-wing Group 1-3 UAS including autonomous and/or remotely piloted systems
- Experience supporting or participating in defense or military flight test environments
- Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development
- Working knowledge of FAA Part 91 and relevant military airspace regulations
- Background in startup or high-growth environments
Work Environment
- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego CA
- This role requires an on-site presence
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE as required
- Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically for flight testing field operations integration events & customer support.
- Valid drivers license with a clean driving record to support offsite flight operations & testing.
- This role will include working in an outdoor environment under various weather conditions.
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise heat cold dust or chemicals (with PPE). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions noise and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit stand bend reach climb and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office be physically capable of tolerating loud noise heat cold dust or chemicals (with PPE).
Compensation
US Salary Range: $92000 - $121000 USD
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 November & 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 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 atso we can provide the support you need.
Required Experience:
IC
