Field Operations Team Lead

Description

The Field Operations Team Lead will own and scale all aspects of field execution for Firestorm’s UAS platforms, planning and directing both domestic and international deployments while ensuring safety and operational excellence. This role leads and develops Field Service Representatives, acts as the primary operational authority during field events, and translates field insights into improvements across engineering, flight operations, manufacturing, and business development.

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of domestic and international field operations for UAS platforms
• Serve as on‑site operational lead during deployments, testing events, demonstrations, and customer engagements
• Manage, mentor, and develop Field Service Representatives, setting clear expectations and execution standards
• Coordinate with multiple customers on training, demonstrations, service visits, and other operational requests worldwide
• Establish and enforce safety, logistics, and operational best practices across all field activities
• Deliver pre‑deployment safety briefings and TTP training to field teams
• Oversee logistics planning for 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 trained, equipped, and 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 to drive platform improvements
• Identify design and operational deficiencies and recommend improvements to Product Line Management
• Collaborate with program managers, engineers, business development, and product line management throughout planning and fielding
• Develop plans and policies, monitor operations, and advise leadership on field training and demonstration events
• Assist in creating operator manuals, checklists, certification programs, and other training tools
• Plan and execute dynamic schedules while addressing last‑minute customer demands
• Coordinate with Trade Compliance to ensure international training and demonstration compliance
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational, logistical, and technical issues in real time under dynamic conditions
• Own field procurement and on‑site resource coordination to ensure uninterrupted mission execution

Requirements

Based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, the position requires an on‑site presence with up to 40 % travel for field operations, integration events, and customer support. Candidates must meet physical demands such as lifting, climbing and operating in varied environments, and the salary range is $123,000–$155,000 USD, subject to experience and location.

The company complies with U.S. export control regulations; applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise eligible for ITAR authorization and able to obtain a DoD security clearance. Firestorm is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and encourages applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

• 8+ years experience in field operations, logistics, or operational leadership
• 3+ years formal instructor experience
• U.S. citizenship required for ITAR compliance and DoD security clearance eligibility
• Proven track record leading teams in field or mission‑driven environments
• Strong background in logistics planning, procurement, and execution for distributed or remote operations
• Ability to make sound decisions and lead under time‑sensitive, high‑consequence conditions
• Experience supporting international operations, including customs, shipping, and regulatory coordination
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills with cross‑functional alignment capability
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams, make trade‑offs, and drive alignment across engineering and business functions
• 10+ years experience in field operations, logistics, or operational leadership (preferred)
• Prior military experience in operations, logistics, or mission command (preferred)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (preferred)
• Experience leading or supporting customer‑facing field services teams (preferred)
• Proficiency in additional spoken languages (preferred)
• Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, or A&P certification (preferred)
• Experience with ArduPilot, PX4, or comparable UAS flight control systems (preferred)
• Passion for building tools that serve operators in complex, real‑world environments (preferred)
• Background in startup or high‑growth environments (preferred)

Benefits

Firestorm offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, a 401(k) with company matching, equity grants, unlimited PTO and a generous holiday calendar, plus a Lifestyle Spending Account and multiple insurance options. Additional perks include mental‑health resources, free legal and financial support, and a supportive, inclusive culture that encourages growth.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance