Senior First-Person View Pilot/Trainer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

The Senior First-Person View (FPV) Pilot/Trainer is a subject matter expert and operational lead, responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing complex Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations, training programs, and demonstrations for government and defense clients. This senior role assumes full accountability for mission success and compliance, provides technical and tactical expertise, and mentors junior personnel. The Senior FPV Pilot/Trainer is further tasked with developing and refining standard operating procedures, ensuring equipment readiness, and serving as the primary liaison with cross-functional teams and high-level client stakeholders. Frequent travel to corporate sites at Fayetteville, NC; Virginia Beach, VA; Port Orange, FL; and Huntsville, AL. Candidates with substantial prior military leadership experience are strongly preferred.

Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of complex UAS/drone operations in full compliance with regulatory, contractual, and organizational requirements.
• Design, develop, and deliver advanced UAS training curricula, live demonstrations, and workshops for government clients and internal teams, integrating best practices and latest technologies.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical oversight to junior pilots, trainers, and support personnel to ensure high standards of performance and operational excellence.
• Oversee and optimize the setup, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and logistical deployment of UAS equipment, ensuring mission readiness and equipment reliability.
• Manage detailed inventory control systems, operational checklists, and comprehensive training records for audit and government reporting purposes.
• Author, update, and validate instructional materials, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures; develop after-action reports for contract and client deliverables.
• Lead or participate in the operational testing, assessment, and validation of new UAS platforms, payloads, and technologies, providing technical recommendations for enhancements.

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Technology, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and direct experience).
• Minimum 8 years' experience in UAS/drone operation, with progressive leadership responsibility (military, law enforcement, or commercial sectors).
• FAA Part 107 certification or willingness to obtain.
• Proven track record of independently managing and leading UAS field teams in complex, high-stakes environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in UAS mission planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing and presenting technical content for government audiences.
• Documented ability and willingness to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice, to multiple domestic sites.
• Strong preference for candidates with prior military senior enlisted service, especially in UAS, aviation, or related technical roles.

• Formal instructor certification in UAS operations or related disciplines.
• Experience developing and instructing comprehensive UAS curriculum for government, defense, or law enforcement organizations.
• Deep familiarity with government or military operational environments, including CONOPs, security, and procurement processes.
• Published expertise or contribution to industry standards, government research, or tactical development in unmanned systems.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
• 25%+ travel required
• Potential travel to OCONUS locations for durations of 1 month of more