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Drone Contractor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

T3i, Inc.

Electrical Engineer - UAS

San Antonio, TX

Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, and ... As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug ...

9 Mothers Corporation

Integration Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

... contractor or with DoD customers * Experience working with radar, EO/IR, RF, or other sensor data, telemetry streams, or counter-UAS/counter-drone systems * Active security clearance or eligibility ...

T3i, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer - UAS

San Antonio, TX

$38 - $72/hr

Our Blackfoot platform is a tactical FPV drone system engineered for reliability, adaptability, and ... As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug ...

9 Mothers Corporation

Integration Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

... contractor or with DoD customers * Experience working with radar, EO/IR, RF, or other sensor data, telemetry streams, or counter-UAS/counter-drone systems * Active security clearance or eligibility ...

Zipline

Construction Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Own regional site delivery from contractor evaluation, bidding, contracting, design review ...

Zipline

Construction Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Own regional site delivery from contractor evaluation, bidding, contracting, design review ...

Zipline

Construction Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Own regional site delivery from contractor evaluation, bidding, contracting, design review ...

Suffolk Construction

BIM/VDC Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

Suffolk - America's Contractor - is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue ... Guide field-facing digital workflows including; digital layout, laser scanning, drone site capture ...

Gratia Geomatics LLC

Utility Locator

Spring, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... drone LiDAR, and subsurface utility locating for a variety of transportation, flood control ... Communicate with contractors, customers, property owners, and supervisors to coordinate locating ...

Gratia Geomatics LLC

Utility Locator

Spring, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... drone LiDAR, and subsurface utility locating for a variety of transportation, flood control ... Communicate with contractors, customers, property owners, and supervisors to coordinate locating ...

Suffolk Construction

BIM/VDC Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

... trade contractors, and vendors to ensure digital deliverables are compliant, actionable, and ... Guide field-facing digital workflows including; digital layout, laser scanning, drone site capture ...

Suffolk Construction

BIM/VDC Manager

Houston, TX

... trade contractors, and vendors to ensure digital deliverables are compliant, actionable, and ... Guide field-facing digital workflows including; digital layout, laser scanning, drone site capture ...

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All JobsDrone Contractor JobsDrone Contractor Jobs in Texas

Drone Contractor information

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$8

$27

$64

How much do drone contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone contractor in Texas is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $33.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone contractor?

Drone contractors are professionals or companies hired to operate drones for various commercial purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspections, agriculture, and more. They provide specialized services using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and are typically certified and comply with aviation regulations. Drone contractors often work on a project basis, offering expertise in data collection, analysis, and safe drone operation for clients across industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone contractor?

To thrive as a Drone Contractor, you need expertise in drone piloting, aerial photography or data collection, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by an FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with drone flight software, mapping tools, and image processing systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients set top contractors apart. These skills ensure safe operations, high-quality deliverables, and successful client relationships in a rapidly evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by drone contractors when working on client projects?

Drone contractors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex airspace regulations, managing weather-related delays, and ensuring data security for sensitive client information. Additionally, coordinating with clients to clearly define project requirements and deliverables can be demanding, especially when expectations differ. Staying updated on evolving technology and maintaining equipment are also key aspects to manage for successful project completion.

What is the difference between Drone Contractor vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone ContractorDrone Pilot
Credentials/CertificationsOften requires FAA Part 107 certification, business licenses, and insuranceTypically requires FAA Part 107 certification, may not need business licenses
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed or contracted work, multiple clients, project-basedEmployed or contracted, operating drones for specific missions
Employer/Industry UsageProvides services to various industries like real estate, agriculture, filmPerforms drone flights for clients or employers in similar industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The main difference is that a Drone Contractor typically manages their own business, handling multiple clients and projects, while a Drone Pilot usually works as an individual operator performing drone flights for clients. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, but the contractor often handles additional responsibilities like licensing, insurance, and business management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Contractor jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Drone Contractor jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Contractor jobs in Texas?

For Drone Contractor jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Contractor jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Contractor jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Drone Contractor jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Drone Contractor job openings:

Drone Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Contractor job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,434 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

FPV Drone Technician & Assembler

T3i, Inc.

San Antonio, TX

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assemble FPV drones from individual components including frames, motors, ESCs, flight controllers, cameras, VTXs, and receivers

  • Perform precision soldering of electronic components, power leads, signal wires, and connectors

  • Program, configure, and update firmware for FPV flight controllers, ESCs, receivers, and other onboard systems

Job description

Job Summary: The FPV Drone Technician amp; Assembler is responsible for the assembly, configuration, programming, testing, and maintenance of FPV (First-Person View) drones. This role requires hands-on technical expertise with FPV drone hardware and software, including soldering, firmware configuration, and troubleshooting. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in soldering during the interview process.
Responsibilities:
  • Assemble FPV drones from individual components, including frames, motors, ESCs, flight controllers, cameras, VTXs, and receivers
  • Perform precision soldering of electronic components, power leads, signal wires, and connectors
  • Program and configure FPV flight controllers using industry-standard FPV programming software (e.g., Betaflight, INAV, or similar)
  • Flash and update firmware for flight controllers, ESCs, receivers, and other onboard systems
  • Configure radio protocols, video transmission systems, and failsafe settings
  • Conduct bench testing and flight readiness checks to ensure proper functionality and safety
  • Diagnose and repair hardware, electrical, and software issues
  • Maintain build documentation, wiring diagrams, and configuration records
  • Follow ESD, safety, and quality control standards during assembly and testing
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve build processes and product reliability
Required Skills and Experience:
  • Hands-on experience assembling FPV drones
  • Experience using FPV programming and configuration software (e.g., Betaflight, INAV, ArduPilot, PX4 or similar)
  • Strong soldering skills, including fine-pitch soldering on PCBs
  • Ability to read wiring diagrams, assembly and sub-assembly guides and technical documentation
  • Basic understanding of electronics, power systems (LiPo batteries), and signal integrity
  • Strong attention to detail and quality workmanship
  • Demonstration Requirement
  • Soldering skills must be demonstrated during the interview process, including component-level soldering and wire management
  • Candidate will be required to provide an example of their workmanship and assembly technique by bringing one of their FPV builds for review
Desired Skills and Experience:
  • Experience with multiple FPV/drone autopilot software and radio systems (e.g., ELRS, Crossfire, BetaFlight, ArduPilot, INAV, PX4)
  • Experience PID tuning and optimizing flight performance
  • Knowledge of FPV video systems (analog and digital)
  • Prior experience in a production, R amp;D, or repair environment
  • FAA Part 107 certification (preferred but not required)
Required Background Check: Criminal Background Check (all candidates are required to complete the HireRight background check amp; drug screening)
Type of Employment: Part-Time
Compensation: $20-$26 per hour
T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement: As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. All drug screening includes testing for the following drugs, at a minimum: Marijuana (CBD, hemp oil, and other cannabidiol use may result in a positive result), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, 6-monoacetylmorphine, and PCP. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.
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About T3i

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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