Drone Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner on site at Fort Bragg, NC.

This role operates at the intersection of tactical UAS operations, autonomy testing, and rapid capability development. The selected candidate will serve as a key operational asset responsible for executing flight operations, supporting testing, and providing real-world feedback to engineers and developers.

This position directly contributes to accelerating the fielding of autonomous and semi-autonomous unmanned systems across the Department of War.

This is not a conventional UAS pilot role. The selected candidate will operate at the intersection of:

• Tactical FPV flight execution
• Autonomy testing and human-machine teaming
• Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers

You will serve as a key operational test asset, providing real-world feedback that directly informs system performance and future capability development.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed. 

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value. 

This position is in-person in North Carolina and requires an active Secret clearance.  

Operational Execution

• Conduct advanced FPV and Group 1-2 UAS flight operations in dynamic and contested environments
• Execute test scenarios, mission profiles, and evaluation events in support of autonomy development
• Operate across manual, assisted, and autonomous control modes
• Maintain safe multi-vehicle operations in complex airspace and RF environments

Test & Evaluation Support

• Plan and execute flight test events (pre-flight, execution, post-flight analysis)
• Capture operational data and contribute to formal test reporting
• Support rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles

Technical Integration

• Configure, troubleshoot, and repair FPV and UAS systems
• Integrate payloads, communications systems, and mission-specific components
• Optimize system performance for operational use

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with engineers, developers, and government stakeholders
• Translate operator feedback into actionable technical insights
• Support capability development and system refinement efforts

• Active Secret Clearance required
• 5+ years of operational UAS/FPV experience in military, government, or defense industry environments
• Advanced FPV flight proficiency (Acro Mode, precision maneuvering)
• Experience conducting operations in dynamic or contested environments
• Strong understanding of aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and UAS risk management
• Experience with UAS system integration, testing, or evaluation
• Ability to operate in high-tempo, ambiguous environments
• Ability to operate outdoors in austere environments for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50lbs
• Willingness to travel (0-25%)

Desired Qualifications

• SOF or tactical military experience with UAS integration
• Instructor or evaluator experience in UAS operations
• Experience with FPV system builds, soldering, and fabrication
• Familiarity with Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot, and RF systems (Crossfire, ELRS)
• Experience operating in GPS-denied or EW-contested environments
• Knowledge of DoD Test & Evaluation processes
• TS/SCI clearance

Target salary range: $103,784 - $179,659

Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.