Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: Hybrid / Alexandria, VA - Remote

Title: Drone Pilot

Reports to: Director of Operations

WHAT WERE ABOUT:

Pixis Drones crafts awe-inspiring aerial experiences by marrying artistry, engineering, and storytelling. We design and deliver large-scale drone light shows for brands, live events, and cultural moments around the globe. Were a nimble, innovative, and entrepreneurial team passionate about precision, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of aerial entertainment.

THE ROLE:

You will serve as a flight lead (Pilot in Command or CoPilot as assigned), responsible for the safe execution of drone light shows across an expansive scalefrom small 100to-1,500 drone swarm operationsto translating artistic vision into safe, repeatable, highimpact aerial performances.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Flight Operations & Safety

• Act as RPIC / CoPilot for test flights, rehearsals, and live shows; maintain command/control of the swarm.
• Lead comprehensive premission planning: site survey, grid/coordinate design, pad layout, margin offsets, termination zones, redundancy, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance: FAA Part 107, Remote ID, airspace authorizations (via LAANC / DroneZone), night operations, and overpeople rules when applicable.
• Confirm nightops readiness: anticollision lighting, observer coverage, comms plan, geofence containment.
• Conduct onsite safety briefings and risk reviews with your field crew, clients, and local stakeholders.

Systems, Software & Data

• Configure and validate RTK GNSS / ground station systems, redundancy, firmware, and containment logic preflight.
• Load, simulate, validate, and monitor show files; manage change control and version history.
• Operate or integrate with drone show control software / flight stacks (UGCS, PixHawk derivatives, vendor show platforms).
• Monitor the health of battery systems (cycle counts, voltage curves), maintain flight & maintenance logs, and enforce charging discipline.

Field Leadership & Client Collaboration

• Lead, coordinate, and mentor a field crew (26 persons, scalable by show size) in setup, launch pad deployment, payload staging, and teardown.
• Act as the technical ambassador on siteinterface with clients, venue staff, and regulatory/venue authorities.
• Troubleshoot live system anomalies, assess go / nogo decisions, and abort show segments when necessary to protect safety and reputation.

Maintenance & Operational Readiness

• Conduct field inspections, minor repairs, and triage RMA processes; support keeping the drone fleet in showready condition.
• Update, refine, and enforce SOPs, checklists, and safety protocols; train newer pilots/crew on best practices and risk management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.
• Demonstrated experience with multirotor sUAS, preprogrammed formation/waypoint missions, and swarm control (show experience strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with airspace systems (LAANC / DroneZone authorizations) and Remote ID compliance.
• Working knowledge of RTK GNSS, geofencing, redundancy, ground control stations, and radio links.
• Experience with one or more UAV / show software systems (UGCS, PixHawk, or equivalent).
• Strong discipline with documentation, checklists, logs, and standard operating procedures.
• Flexible schedule: ability to travel heavily (50%75%), work nights, weekends, holidays and in varied weather conditions.

Preferred

• Proven experience in drone light show operations of 100+ drones ideally up to swarm sizes in hundreds or more.
• Field leadership experience, including directing team operations and safety briefings.
• Familiarity with show tech ecosystems (timecode sync, audio/visual integration, communication chains).
• Background in military, robotics, entertainment technology, or aerial systems.

HOW WE WORK

At Pixis Drones, precision meets creative spectacle. We engineer safety into every showfrom redundancy in hardware/software to procedural discipline and realtime decision frameworks. Our creative edge is rooted in reliability and operational rigor. We welcome people from diverse domainsaviation, robotics, events, mediaand provide systems training and mentorship to help you grow.

PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift or carry up to ~50 lbs intermittently; comfortable with walking, standing, and field deployment tasks.
• Valid drivers license and ability to pass background / MVR checks.
• Calm under pressure and responsive in dynamic settings.

NEXT STEPS:

To apply for this position please respond to this posting with your cover letter, resume/portfolio, and salary requirements. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

It is the policy of Pixis to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Pixis will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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