Final answer:
In 'Illuminae', Ezra Mason starts off as a Cyclone fighter pilot after being conscripted into the ship Alexander's fleet following an attack on his home planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the beginning of the book Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, the character Ezra Mason's rank is that of a Cyclone pilot. However, it's important to note that his 'rank' isn't as formal or structured as military rank due to the emergency situation and the nature of the evacuation.
The story is set in the year 2575 and kicks off with an attack on the planet Kerenza. After being evacuated to the ship Alexander, Ezra is conscripted into the ship's space fleet due to the dire circumstances, and it is here where he serves as a pilot.