About this opportunity
LMI Consulting, LLC lists this Drone Pilot - Clearance Required opportunity in fort bragg, North Carolina. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Overview
LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot / Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner on site at Fort Bragg, NC.
This role operates at the intersection of tactical UAS operations, autonomy testing, and rapid capability development. The selected candidate will serve as a key operational asset responsible for executing flight operations, supporting testing, and providing real-world feedback to engineers and developers.
This position directly contributes to accelerating the fielding of autonomous and semi-autonomous unmanned systems across the Department of War.
This is not a conventional UAS pilot role. The selected candidate will operate at the intersection of:
Tactical FPV flight execution
Autonomy testing and human-machine teaming
Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers
You will serve as a key operational test asset, providing real-world feedback that directly informs system performance and future capability development.
LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.
Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors—helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.
This position is in-person in North Carolina and requires an active Secret clearance.
Responsibilities
Operational Execution Conduct advanced FPV and Group 1-2 UAS flight operations in dynamic and contested environments
Execute test scenarios, mission profiles, and evaluation events in support of autonomy development
Operate across manual, assisted, and autonomous control modes
Maintain safe multi-vehicle operations in complex airspace and RF environments
Test & Evaluation Support Plan and execute flight test events (pre-flight, execution, post-flight analysis)
Capture operational data and contribute to formal test reporting
Support rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles
Technical Integration Configure, troubleshoot, and repair FPV and UAS systems
Integrate payloads, communications systems, and mission-specific components
Optimize system performance for operational use
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work directly with engineers, developers, and government stakeholders
Translate operator feedback into actionable technical insights
Support capability development and system refinement efforts
Qualifications
Active Secret Clearance required
5+ years of operational UAS/FPV experience in military, government, or defense industry environments
Advanced FPV flight proficiency (Acro Mode, precision maneuvering)
Experience conducting operations in dynamic or contested environments
Strong understanding of aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and UAS risk management
Experience with UAS system integration, testing, or evaluation
Ability to operate in high-tempo, ambiguous environments
Ability to operate outdoors in austere environments for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50lbs
Willingness to travel (0-25%)
Desired Qualifications
SOF or tactical military experience with UAS integration
Instructor or evaluator experience in UAS operations
Experience with FPV system builds, soldering, and fabrication
Familiarity with Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot, and RF systems (Crossfire, ELRS)
Experience operating in GPS-denied or EW-contested environments
Knowledge of DoD Test & Evaluation processes
TS/SCI clearance
Target salary range: $103,784 - $179,659
Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.
Job Locations
US-NC-Fort Bragg
LMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LMI is committed to the fair treatment of all and to our policy of providing applicants and employees with equal employment opportunities. LMI recruits, hires, trains, and promotes people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, disability, age, protected veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.