Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, survivability, and rapid deployment in demanding operational environments. We operate in tight feedback ...
Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, survivability, and rapid deployment in demanding operational environments. We operate in tight feedback ...
Robotics Instructor with Security Clearance
Camp Lejeune, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Robotics Instructor with Security Clearance
Camp Lejeune, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Robotics Instructor
Jacksonville, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Quick apply
Robotics Instructor
Jacksonville, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Robotics Instructor
Camp Lejeune, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Robotics Instructor
Camp Lejeune, NC · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
First Person View (FPV) attack/strike drones Ground Organic Precision Strike Weapon Systems (GOPPS) This instructor will construct and deliver the full period of instruction (POI), integrate ...
Hardware Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$133K - $175K/yr
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). You'll own the ...
Quick apply
Hardware Engineer
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$133K - $175K/yr
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). You'll own the ...
Be Seen First
Electronics Technician
Parrish, FL · On-site
$58K - $65K/yr
Experience as an FPV hobbyist, drone builder, or electronics technician is highly desirable. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assemble FPV drones, UAV systems, and prototype products from ...
Quick apply
Be Seen First
Electronics Technician
Parrish, FL · On-site
$58K - $65K/yr
Experience as an FPV hobbyist, drone builder, or electronics technician is highly desirable. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assemble FPV drones, UAV systems, and prototype products from ...
Technology Capabilities SME (Autonomy)
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$150K - $250K/yr
First-Person View (FPV) Operations: Ten (10) years of expertise in the principles and application of FPV for controlling and operating unmanned systems. Modeling & Simulation: Eight (8) years ...
Technology Capabilities SME (Autonomy)
Alexandria, VA · On-site
$150K - $250K/yr
First-Person View (FPV) Operations: Ten (10) years of expertise in the principles and application of FPV for controlling and operating unmanned systems. Modeling & Simulation: Eight (8) years ...
Embedded Software Engineer -- Munition System
Washington, DC · On-site
$201K - $250K/yr
About the project Were building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). The current ...
Quick apply
Embedded Software Engineer -- Munition System
Washington, DC · On-site
$201K - $250K/yr
About the project Were building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). The current ...
Receiving Inspector - Quality
Orlando, FL · On-site
$28/hr
Familiarity with FPV drones, RC systems, or related electronics hardware. Knowledge of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) handling procedures. Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) processes. ASQ ...
Receiving Inspector - Quality
Orlando, FL · On-site
$28/hr
Familiarity with FPV drones, RC systems, or related electronics hardware. Knowledge of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) handling procedures. Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) processes. ASQ ...
Headset Assembler 2nd Shift 3-11:30PM
Orlando, FL · On-site
$26.40/hr
Assemble FPV headset components according to documented work instructions * Perform repetitive, hands-on assembly tasks with precision and consistency * Inspect individual parts and finished products ...
Headset Assembler 2nd Shift 3-11:30PM
Orlando, FL · On-site
$26.40/hr
Assemble FPV headset components according to documented work instructions * Perform repetitive, hands-on assembly tasks with precision and consistency * Inspect individual parts and finished products ...
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The system carries an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD) governed by a seven ...
Quick apply
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The system carries an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD) governed by a seven ...
Hardware Engineer-- Munition System
Washington, CA · On-site
$201K - $250K/hr
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). You'll own the ...
Quick apply
Hardware Engineer-- Munition System
Washington, CA · On-site
$201K - $250K/hr
About the project We're building a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by an FPV-class airframe. The compute side is an electro mechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD). You'll own the ...
Director of Product
$21K - $383K/yr
Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous capabilities, and the interplay between commercial technology and military application * Willingness and ...
Director of Product
$21K - $383K/yr
Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous capabilities, and the interplay between commercial technology and military application * Willingness and ...
Director of Product
Torrance, CA · On-site
$21K - $383K/yr
Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous capabilities, and the interplay between commercial technology and military application * Willingness and ...
Director of Product
Torrance, CA · On-site
$21K - $383K/yr
Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous capabilities, and the interplay between commercial technology and military application * Willingness and ...
Motor Assembler 2nd Shift (3:00 pm - 11:30 pm)
Orlando, FL · On-site
$26.40/hr
As a Motor Assembler, you'll be a key part of our production team, soldering, bonding, and fitting components to deliver motors that power the future of FPV and drone technology. You enjoy working ...
Motor Assembler 2nd Shift (3:00 pm - 11:30 pm)
Orlando, FL · On-site
$26.40/hr
As a Motor Assembler, you'll be a key part of our production team, soldering, bonding, and fitting components to deliver motors that power the future of FPV and drone technology. You enjoy working ...
Headset Assembler 1st Shift 7AM-3:30 PM
Orlando, FL · On-site
$24/hr
Assemble FPV headset components according to documented work instructions * Perform repetitive, hands-on assembly tasks with precision and consistency * Inspect individual parts and finished products ...
Headset Assembler 1st Shift 7AM-3:30 PM
Orlando, FL · On-site
$24/hr
Assemble FPV headset components according to documented work instructions * Perform repetitive, hands-on assembly tasks with precision and consistency * Inspect individual parts and finished products ...
Hardware Engineer - Munition System
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$145K - $192K/yr
About the Project Our client is developing a small, safety-critical kinetic munition deployed via an FPV-class airframe . At the core of the system is an Electro-Mechanical Safe and Arm Device (EMSAD ...
Hardware Engineer - Munition System
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$145K - $192K/yr
About the Project Our client is developing a small, safety-critical kinetic munition deployed via an FPV-class airframe . At the core of the system is an Electro-Mechanical Safe and Arm Device (EMSAD ...
Motor Assembler 3rd Shift (11:00pm to 7:30 am)
Orlando, FL · On-site
$28.80/hr
As a Motor Assembler, you'll be a key part of our production team, soldering, bonding, and fitting components to deliver motors that power the future of FPV and drone technology. You enjoy working ...
Motor Assembler 3rd Shift (11:00pm to 7:30 am)
Orlando, FL · On-site
$28.80/hr
As a Motor Assembler, you'll be a key part of our production team, soldering, bonding, and fitting components to deliver motors that power the future of FPV and drone technology. You enjoy working ...
Document Control & Change Administrator
Orlando, FL · Hybrid
$65K - $75K/yr
S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot and Fat Shark - are two of the most respected names in ...
Document Control & Change Administrator
Orlando, FL · Hybrid
$65K - $75K/yr
S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot and Fat Shark - are two of the most respected names in ...
Experience with drone, UAV, aerospace, or robotics systems Familiarity with FPV hardware (frames, mounts, propulsion integration) Experience with composites and carbon fiber structural design ...
Experience with drone, UAV, aerospace, or robotics systems Familiarity with FPV hardware (frames, mounts, propulsion integration) Experience with composites and carbon fiber structural design ...
Fpv information
How much do FPV pilots make?
What is the difference between Fpv vs Drone Pilot?
| Aspect | FPV | Drone Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Often requires FAA Part 107 certification | Typically requires FAA Part 107 certification |
| Work Environment | Indoor/outdoor flying, racing, or freestyle | Outdoor, commercial, or industrial drone operations |
| Industry Usage | Recreational racing, freestyle flying, content creation | Surveying, inspection, filming, delivery |
FPV pilots focus on high-speed racing and freestyle flying, often in recreational or content creation contexts, while drone pilots generally perform commercial operations like surveying or inspections. Both roles may require FAA Part 107 certification, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.
What are some common challenges faced by FPV drone pilots, and how can they be addressed on the job?
What are FPV pilots?
Are FPV pilots in demand?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FPV (First Person View) Drone Pilot, and why are they important?
Is FPV legal in the US?
What is the highest paying drone job?

Job description
T3i builds mission-critical unmanned systems designed to improve U.S. forces' operational effectiveness and battlefield lethality. Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, survivability, and rapid deployment in demanding operational environments.
We operate in tight feedback loops between design, build, test, and field use, where every flight directly informs the next iteration of the platform. We are a small, fast-moving team that values ownership, technical depth, execution, and mission focus.
We are seeking a Senior Tactical UAS Test Pilot to lead flight test and development operations for the Blackfoot platform. This role is critical to ensuring the platform is safe, effective, and ready for operational deployment. The ideal candidate combines exceptional FPV flight proficiency with disciplined flight-test methodology and a builder mindset.
This individual will serve as the primary pilot voice within the development cycle—planning and executing flight tests, identifying issues, analyzing flight data, and working directly with engineering teams to improve aircraft performance and reliability.
Position Summary:
The Senior Tactical UAS Test Pilot will own the planning, execution, reporting, and safety posture of developmental flight operations supporting the Blackfoot platform. This role emphasizes hands-on flying, structured test execution, anomaly investigation, telemetry analysis, and rapid iteration alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.
The ideal candidate is equally comfortable flying developmental airframes in demanding environments, reviewing logs and telemetry to diagnose issues, coordinating field operations, and communicating actionable engineering feedback.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced R amp;D environments where aircraft configurations evolve rapidly and operational feedback directly shapes the product.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Plan, brief, execute, and debrief developmental flight test sorties on Blackfoot airframes
- Author test cards, flight test plans, risk assessments, and test reports aligned with program milestones
- Conduct structured envelope expansion across speed, range, altitude, endurance, payload, and environmental conditions
- Safely operate FPV and BVLOS flight modes under varied lighting, weather, terrain, and RF conditions
- Coordinate flight operations including airspace deconfliction, range safety, chase/safety pilot operations, and ground crew activities
- Capture, review, and triage telemetry, flight logs, onboard video, and pilot observations to support engineering root-cause analysis
- Identify handling qualities, stability, control, propulsion, RF, and performance issues and translate them into actionable engineering feedback
- Support troubleshooting, regression testing, and validation of hardware, software, autonomy, RF, and payload changes
- Track test results, anomalies, and corrective actions through established reporting and issue-management workflows
- Maintain airworthiness and configuration control of developmental test articles
- Perform pre-flight inspections, field repairs, tuning, and troubleshooting of FPV systems as required
- Maintain currency on all relevant FAA regulations (Part 107, COA, LAANC) and applicable DoD range procedures
- Support customer demonstrations, training events, and operational field exercises as required
- Contribute to the development of T3i flight test SOPs, safety processes, pilot standards, and training pipelines
- Operate safely and effectively in outdoor field environments, including extended standing, lifting/carrying equipment, and working in adverse weather conditions
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of hands-on UAS flight operations experience
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Exceptional proficiency flying FPV / acro-mode multirotor platforms in demanding environments
- Documented flight hours on tactical, racing, freestyle, or developmental FPV airframes
- Experience executing structured flight test activities including test cards, build-up methodology, risk management, and anomaly investigation
- Working knowledge of common UAS autopilots and ground control systems including Betaflight, INAV, ArduPilot, PX4, ELRS, and Crossfire
- Experience reviewing telemetry, blackbox logs, DVR footage, and flight data to diagnose vehicle behavior and performance issues
- Hands-on experience building, configuring, tuning, repairing, and maintaining FPV airframes
- Ability to communicate technical flight observations clearly and concisely to engineering teams
- Ability to operate independently and take ownership of flight-test execution and safety
- Comfortable working in an iterative R amp;D environment with rapidly changing aircraft configurations and priorities
- U.S. Person status required to support ITAR-controlled programs
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior military, government, or defense-contractor flight test experience on UAS platforms
- Experience flying tactical FPV systems in operational or advanced training environments
- Experience operating UAS in GPS-denied, contested, or EW-affected RF environments
- Experience supporting payload integration for ISR, EW, communications, or autonomous systems
- Experience coordinating with DoD test ranges, restricted airspace, COAs, or military customers
- Formal flight test training (USNTPS, USAF TPS, NTPS, ITPS, or equivalent)
- Manned aircraft flight experience (Private Pilot Certificate or higher)
- Experience supporting autonomy development, RF testing, or advanced flight-control tuning
- Experience working in fast-paced defense or dual-use technology environments
Why Join T3i?
- Direct impact on systems supporting U.S. military capability
- Small, highly technical team with rapid decision-making and execution
- Opportunity to shape next-generation tactical FPV platforms from prototype through operational deployment
- High level of ownership and autonomy
- Exposure to advanced autonomy, RF, payload, and tactical UAS development efforts
Type of Employment: Part-Time (20–30 hours/week initially, with strong potential to transition to full-time)
Travel: Up to 25% travel to test ranges, customer demonstrations, and field exercises
Compensation: Part-time $52 - $81 per hour; based on experience and qualifications
Clearance Requirements: Desire and ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Required Background Check: HireRight background check amp; drug screening
T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement:
As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.
About T3i
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
San Diego, CA, US
Year founded
2014