Drone Light Show Pilot Hot

Job Information

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 flight lead (Pilot in Command or Co‑Pilot as assigned) responsible for the safe execution of drone light shows across an expansive scale—from small swarm operations of ~100 drones to 1500 drones. You will partner with creative production and operations teams to translate artistic vision into safe repeatable high‑impact aerial performances.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION and RESPONSIBILITIES

Flight Operations and Safety

• Act as RPIC / Co‑Pilot for test flights rehearsals and live shows; maintain command/control of the swarm.
• Lead comprehensive pre‑mission 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 over‑people rules when applicable.
• Confirm night‑ops readiness: anti‑collision lighting observer coverage comms plan geofence containment.
• Conduct on‑site safety briefings and risk reviews with your field crew clients and local stakeholders.

Systems Software and Data

• Configure and validate RTK GNSS / ground station systems redundancy firmware and containment logic pre‑flight.
• 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 and maintenance logs and enforce charging discipline.

Field Leadership and Client Collaboration

• Lead coordinate and mentor a field crew (2–6 persons scalable by show size) in setup launch pad deployment payload staging and teardown.
• Act as the technical ambassador on site—interface with clients venue staff and regulatory/venue authorities.
• Troubleshoot live system anomalies assess go / no‑go decisions and abort show segments when necessary to protect safety and reputation.

Maintenance and Operational Readiness

• Conduct field inspections minor repairs and triage RMA processes; support keeping the drone fleet in show‑ready 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 multi‑rotor 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 show—from redundancy in hardware/software to procedural discipline and real‑time decision frameworks. Our creative edge is rooted in reliability and operational rigor. We welcome people from diverse domains—aviation robotics events media—and provide systems training and mentorship to help you grow.

PHYSICAL and 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 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.