Field Operations Team Lead

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re 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.

About the Role

 Firestorm is seeking a Field Operations Team Lead to own and lead all aspects of field execution for our UAS platforms. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and scaling field operations while ensuring safety, operational excellence, and consistent execution across programs. You will lead and develop Field Service Representatives, act as the primary operational authority during field deployments, and ensure field activities directly support platform readiness, customer success, and xCell execution.
This position plays a critical role in connecting field operations with Engineering, Flight Operations, Manufacturing, and Business Development, translating real-world field insights into actionable improvements across the organization.
 What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of domestic and international field operations for Firestorm UAS platforms
• Serve as the on-site operational lead during field deployments, testing events, demonstrations, and customer engagements
• Manage, mentor, and develop Field Service Representatives, setting clear expectations and ensuring consistent execution standards
• Coordinates and works closely with multiple customers on training, demonstrations, and customer service visits, as well as various other operational requests worldwide
• Establish and enforce safety, logistics, and operational best practices across all field activities
• Deliver pre-deployment safety briefings and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) training to field teams
• Oversee logistics planning, including transportation, deployment, recovery, and sustainment of hardware and personnel
• Direct domestic and international shipping and receiving of UAS platforms, subsystems, and mission-critical equipment
• Support xCell operations by ensuring field teams are properly trained, equipped, and operationally aligned with program objectives
• Partner with Flight Operations to support flight testing, demonstrations, and operational missions
• Oversee post-manufacturing flight acceptance and readiness processes prior to deployment
• Capture, synthesize, and communicate engineering observations and customer insights from field operations to inform platform and process improvements
• Identifies design and operational deficiencies and recommends improvements to Product Line Management
• Collaborates with Program Managers, Engineers, Business Development and Product Line Management to ensure Field Operations involvement during all phases of planning, development, and fielding
• Develops plans and policies, monitors operations, reports to and advises leadership team on all matters pertaining to field training and field demonstration events
• Assists in development of operator manuals, checklists, FSR certification and currency programs as well as other internal and external training tools as required
• Able to plan and execute a dynamic schedule and solve rigorous and last-minute customer demands
• Coordinates with Trade Compliance on international training and demonstrations to ensure compliance
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational, logistical, and technical issues in real time under dynamic field conditions
• Own field procurement and on-site resource coordination to ensure uninterrupted mission execution

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in field operations, logistics, or operational leadership roles
• 3+ years of formal instructor experience
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in field, operational, or mission-driven environments
• Strong background in logistics planning, procurement, and execution for distributed or remote operations
• Proven ability to make