Senior Flight Test Operator

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 Labs is seeking a driven and experienced Flight Test Operator to join our Flight Test Team. In this high-impact individual contributor role, you'll 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. You’ll 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. You'll 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 You’ll 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

• Bachelor’s 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
• 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