Drone Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Construction Drone Pilot / UAV Pilot / UAS Technician is responsible for operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support surveying, construction operations, progress tracking, safety inspections, volumetric analysis, and digital project delivery. This role utilizes drone technology, GNSS equipment, photogrammetry software, and BIM integration to provide accurate and actionable data for construction projects.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Surveying & Data Collection

• Perform aerial surveying and mapping operations using unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
• Establish and verify Ground Control Points (GCPs) using GNSS/GPS receivers to ensure accurate survey-grade deliverables.
• Capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data for topographic mapping, site analysis, and quantity calculations.
• Generate orthomosaics, digital surface models (DSMs), digital terrain models (DTMs), and 3D models for project planning and execution.

Construction Progress Monitoring

• Conduct weekly or bi-weekly drone flights to document project progress.
• Provide aerial data and reporting to project managers to monitor schedules, productivity, and site conditions.
• Identify and document deviations between planned and actual construction progress.

Safety & Inspection Services

• Perform visual and thermal inspections of roofs, structures, facades, and construction sites.
• Improve safety by reducing the need for personnel to access elevated or hazardous locations.
• Support safety teams with aerial site assessments and documentation.

Quantities & Volumetric Analysis

• Perform stockpile measurements and volumetric calculations using drone-generated point clouds and photogrammetry.
• Provide accurate material quantity reports for earthwork, aggregates, and construction materials.

Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Capture and maintain aerial documentation for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance reporting.
• Support permitting requirements and project recordkeeping with aerial imagery and data.

Marketing & Project Documentation

• Produce high-quality aerial photographs and video content for client presentations, proposals, project updates, and marketing materials.
• Maintain an organized archive of drone imagery and project documentation.

Data Processing & Analysis

• Process drone data using industry-standard software platforms, including:
• Pix4D
• DroneDeploy
• Agisoft Metashape
• Propeller
• Generate accurate deliverables and reports from aerial datasets.
• Integrate drone outputs with survey, GIS, CAD, and BIM platforms.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000, based on experience.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 required before start date
• Two or more years of professional drone flight experience.
• Knowledge on completing a Part 107 Waiver from the FAA
• Preference for LiDAR experience
• Knowledge of Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center
• Ability to travel between job sites
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, surveying, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating UAVs/UAS in a professional environment.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to walk 3-5 miles per day over rough and uneven terrain.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GNSS/GPS surveying equipment.
• Knowledge of photogrammetry, LiDAR mapping, and reality capture workflows.
• Experience with BIM, digital twin, GIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or related construction technology platforms.
• Strong computer and data management skills.
• Completion of coursework or certifications related to photogrammetry, LiDAR, surveying, mapping, or construction-focused UAV applications.

Our Company Does Work That Matters

Allan Myers is a leading self-performing heavy civil construction and construction materials company with a strategic network of offices, quarries and asphalt plants covering the Mid-Atlantic from New Jersey to Virginia Beach. We build infrastructure: the highways and bridges that connect cities and towns, the public water and wastewater systems that provide clean water to your home and keep our streams clean. We take pride in meeting the highest quality standards because it ensures our work will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community. When you get home safe each night, you know that what you did that day matters. At Allan Myers, you are part of a team dedicated to making things better, including your career. We pay well and provide generous benefits. We offer extensive training and promote from within. If you have the drive, we will help you build a career in the thriving construction industry and reach your full potential.

Allan Myers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Notice to External, Third Party, Agency Recruiting Firms:Allan Myers maintains a preferred vendor list and does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies not under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from our Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the property of Allan Myers. We reserve the right to engage with such candidates (contact, interview and hire) without financial obligation. No other employee is authorized to approve resume submissions or bind Allan Myers to any fee arrangement.