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UAS Test Pilot, RPICEP

Firestorm

Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 92000 - 138000

Posted: 7 August 2026 (15 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 4 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

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 Flight Test Pilot to join our Flight Test this high-impact individual contributor role youll support flight operations across the full lifecycle of our UAVs. From initial build validation and autonomous testing to field deployment and customer demonstrations. You will pilot UAVs assist in test event planning manage flight readiness of aircraft and ensure all operations comply with rigorous safety and regulatory standards. Youll be a key contributor to the continuous improvement of our flight operations processes and documentation 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 have the opportunity to be a critical operator within the Flight Test Team helping shape how our UAVs perform in the real world and pushing the boundaries of what modular UAVs can do.

What Youll Do

Pilot fixed-wing UAVs for developmental testing training and live demonstrations.
Conduct Functional Check Flights (FCF) on newly assembled aircraft and verify flight readiness.
Support planning and execution of flight test events including logistics scheduling and resource coordination.
Train and evaluate Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and Safety Pilots (SPs) on operational procedures.
Assist in developing and maintaining training materials flight manuals and SOPs.
Develop flight and assembly training curriculum and deliver to customers
Verify aircraft configuration against test cards and bills of material prior to deployment.
Track aircraft status and manage inventory of flight-critical components and support equipment.
Coordinate with test ranges and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and secure necessary approvals.
Execute and support test campaigns using both sub-scale and full-scale UAV platforms.
Collect analyze and document test data; provide actionable feedback to engineering teams.
Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy software hardware and manufacturing teams to communicate field observations.
Participate in customer demonstrations training sessions and field exercises as a technical subject matter expert.
Continuously identify areas for process improvement in safety logistics and test execution.
Maintain currency with FAA regulations airspace classifications and UAS operational best practices.
Coordinate with private and government test ranges to conduct flight testing and obtain appropriate regulatory approvals

Required Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of experience piloting fixed-wing Group 1-3 UAS including autonomous and/or remotely piloted systems
2 years of RPIC experience
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
Familiarity with flight documentation including checklists test cards and post-flight reports
Experience working collaboratively with technical teams to provide feedback on system performance and reliability
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
Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related field; may substitute equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of a degree
Experience supporting or participating in defense or military flight test environments
Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development
Hands-on knowledge of UAS hardware avionics telemetry systems and ground control stations
Proficiency in or exposure to robotics-related programming languages (e.g. Python C)
FAA Class III (or higher) Medical Certificate
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 20% 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 - $138000 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:

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