What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Lead, Aerial Drones position at ImageSFX?
In order to use this site, it is necessary to enable JavaScript.
Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
All Jobs > Technical Lead, Aerial Drones
Advanced Entertainment Technologies Inc
Apply
Technical Lead, Aerial Drones
Baltimore, MD
Description
LOCATION: Baltimore, MD | Travel Required
Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists, engineers, event producers, fabricators and creative thinkers.
We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Paul McCartney, the Trans–Siberian Orchestra, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, American Idol, America’s Got Talent and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary interactive installations for world–class venues including the Staples Center and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques and custom special effects solutions we use to create first class spectaculars including laser effects, video projection and mapping, pyrotechnics, architectural lighting installs, custom constructed sets and bespoke engineered special effect solutions for live events and permanent applications.
Role Summary
The Technical Lead / Drone Pilot will be responsible for the pre-deployment preparation, technical execution, flight operations, and onsite leadership of synchronized aerial drone light shows. This role requires strong technical skills, FAA compliance knowledge, and operational expertise to ensure safe and successful performances.
Key Responsibilities
Knowledge and Abilities:
View All Jobs
Powered by
Payroll & HR Software
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
More information
Manage Consent Preferences
Targeting Cookies
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Always Active
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Performance Cookies
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Performance Cookies
Search Icon
checkbox label label
Consent Leg.Interest
Switch Label label
Switch Label label
Switch Label label
Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
All Jobs > Technical Lead, Aerial Drones
Advanced Entertainment Technologies Inc
Apply
Technical Lead, Aerial Drones
Baltimore, MD
- Production
Description
LOCATION: Baltimore, MD | Travel Required
Image Engineering was founded as a company that pushes boundaries, develops new ideas through design and fabrication, and is a leader in the visual display and special effects industry. We are comprised of a team of artists, engineers, event producers, fabricators and creative thinkers.
We have worked all over the United States completing thousands of projects in the field of creative multimedia shows for clients such as Paul McCartney, the Trans–Siberian Orchestra, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, American Idol, America’s Got Talent and multiple professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA and NHL. We have also created permanent and temporary interactive installations for world–class venues including the Staples Center and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Our strength lies in the broad range of techniques and custom special effects solutions we use to create first class spectaculars including laser effects, video projection and mapping, pyrotechnics, architectural lighting installs, custom constructed sets and bespoke engineered special effect solutions for live events and permanent applications.
Role Summary
The Technical Lead / Drone Pilot will be responsible for the pre-deployment preparation, technical execution, flight operations, and onsite leadership of synchronized aerial drone light shows. This role requires strong technical skills, FAA compliance knowledge, and operational expertise to ensure safe and successful performances.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate as Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), piloting a fleet of synchronized, illuminated aerial drones during rehearsals and live performances to create visual displays at live events.
- Operate drone fleet in full compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company SOPs.
- Lead onsite technical setup and system validation, including aircraft deployment, charging infrastructure, ground control systems, and network connectivity.
- Conduct pre-flight inspections, system checks, and readiness assessments to ensure aircraft, firmware, and mission parameters are fully validated.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communications issues under field conditions.
- Direct and supervise onsite technical crew, ensuring proper handling, safety procedures, and operational discipline.
- Collaborate with creative, design, and production teams to execute choreographed flight plans and show objectives.
- Perform site-specific risk assessments, including airspace considerations, obstacle analysis, and crowd safety buffers.
- Coordinate with internal compliance personnel regarding waivers, authorizations, airspace permissions, and local jurisdiction requirements.
- Maintain responsibility for field asset management, including transport, storage, battery care, and equipment protection.
- Document operational events, anomalies, and post-show maintenance or incident reports.
- Champion continuous improvement in technical reliability, workflow efficiency, and safety practices.
- Assist in training new drone pilots, sharing your expertise and best practices for safe drone operations.
Knowledge and Abilities:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required)
- Strong technical understanding of sUAS platforms, flight behavior, and troubleshooting methodology.
- Ability to maintain composure and make sound operational decisions in live event environments.
- Effective leadership, communication, and team coordination skills.
- High attention to detail and safety-critical thinking.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and rapidly changing operational conditions.
- Associate’s degree or higher in aviation, engineering, electronics, technical theater, or a related technical discipline or equivalent practical experience.
- Demonstrated experience operating drones in commercial, technical, or live-event environments.
- Experience with mission planning, system diagnostics, or field technical operations strongly preferred.
- Prior leadership or crew supervision experience preferred.
- Familiarity with drone show or swarm management platforms (e.g., Verge Aero or similar systems).
- Knowledge of FAA night operations, airspace coordination, and waiver processes.
- Background in live event production, entertainment technology, or technical installations.
- Experience with networking, RF behavior, wireless communications, or interference mitigation.
- Battery management, charging systems, and field power distribution experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and common operational / documentation tools.
- Aetna Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Flexible Time Off Program
- Paid Holidays
- John Hancock 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Robust Employee Assistance Program
- Dependent Care FSA Program
- ...and more!
View All Jobs
Powered by
Payroll & HR Software
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
More information
Manage Consent Preferences
Targeting Cookies
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Always Active
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Performance Cookies
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Performance Cookies
Search Icon
checkbox label label
Consent Leg.Interest
Switch Label label
Switch Label label
Switch Label label