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Drone Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Seattle, WA

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Chicago, IL

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Seattle, WA

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Miami, FL

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

New York, NY

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

New York, NY

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX

We are seeking a skilled and certified Drone Pilot to operate and manage drone operations for various projects. As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent ...

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Drone Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do drone operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Drone Operations Manager, and how can they be effectively managed?

Drone Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving aviation regulations, managing fleet maintenance, and coordinating schedules across multiple projects. Staying updated on local and federal laws is crucial, as is developing standardized operating procedures to maintain safety and efficiency. Effective communication with pilots, technicians, and clients helps address logistical issues promptly and ensures projects run smoothly. Leveraging management software and ongoing training can also mitigate operational risks and improve team performance.

Is drone operation a good career?

Drone operations managers oversee drone missions, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. The field offers opportunities in industries like agriculture, construction, and film, often requiring certifications and technical skills. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in technology and aviation, with growing demand as drone use expands.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations, and job opportunities are increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operations Manager, you need expertise in UAV flight operations, regulatory compliance, and logistics management, typically supported by a relevant degree or equivalent field experience. Familiarity with drone piloting software, airspace management tools, and certifications such as Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations in dynamic environments.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial cinematography, infrastructure inspection, or specialized survey projects, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These positions can offer six-figure salaries, especially for those working in industrial sectors or with large companies. Skills in advanced drone operation, data analysis, and regulatory knowledge are highly valued in these high-paying roles.

What is the difference between Drone Operations Manager vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Operations ManagerDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, management trainingFAA Part 107 certification, flight experience
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, plans operations, manages logisticsOperates drones in the field for data collection or filming
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, agriculture, surveying, and inspectionUsed in media, filmmaking, real estate, and inspections

The Drone Operations Manager focuses on overseeing drone operations, managing teams, and planning projects, while the Drone Pilot primarily operates drones for specific tasks. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

How much do FAA drone operators make?

FAA drone operators, often called commercial drone pilots or UAV pilots, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with advanced skills or working in specialized fields like surveying or filmmaking can earn higher salaries. Many roles require FAA Part 107 certification and proficiency with drone technology and safety regulations.

What does a Drone Operations Manager do?

A Drone Operations Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of drone missions for various applications such as surveying, inspections, or deliveries. They manage teams of drone pilots, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, maintain equipment, and develop operational protocols. The role also involves liaising with clients, analyzing data collected by drones, and ensuring all safety and legal standards are met. This position requires strong leadership, technical knowledge of unmanned aerial systems, and up-to-date understanding of industry regulations.
More about Drone Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Drone Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs? The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations Manager jobs are:
Drone Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Commercial Manager - Drone Operations (US)

Skyports Drone Services

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Commercial Manager - Drone Operations (US)
Location: US (Remote) or in-person, New York
Department: Drone Services
Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Us:
Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.
Our business is split into two key areas:
  • Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
  • Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.
The Role:
Skyports Drone Services is looking for a commercially driven, detail-oriented Commercial Manager - Drone Operations (US) to support and grow our operations in the USA and wider AMER region. This role sits within the Drone Services division and is remote, with the option to be based in New York.
You will be responsible for managing one of our key client relationships while playing a pivotal role in expanding our commercial footprint across the US market, with a particular focus on the utilities and construction sectors.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead full-cycle sales from lead generation through to contract negotiation and close.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for one of our major clients, managing communications, commercial discussions and long-term relationship development.
  • Build and grow a pipeline of opportunities across the US market, with a particular emphasis on utilities and construction clients.
  • Develop a strong understanding of customer use cases in utilities and construction, including asset inspection, project monitoring, surveying, progress tracking, safety oversight and related data services.
  • Drive the preparation of high-quality PowerPoint proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Own and manage pricing models and commercial analysis in Excel, ensuring accuracy, transparency and alignment with client expectations.
  • Respond to public procurement processes including PQQs, RFPs, RFIs and ITTs, coordinating input from internal teams and ensuring timely, high-quality submissions.
  • Support the initial planning and design of drone operations, ensuring client expectations and KPIs are met.
  • Monitor deal progress, provide regular updates to stakeholders and proactively address issues or feedback.
  • Track all commercial activity and pipeline progress in HubSpot CRM.
  • Represent Skyports Drone Services credibly with clients, partners and industry stakeholders across our priority sectors in the US.

Key KPIs
  • Timely and high-quality delivery of proposals and pricing documentation.
  • Closed-won sales from both key accounts and new national clients.
  • Measurable pipeline growth and successful conversion of new business in the US market.
  • Growth in commercial opportunities and revenue across the utilities and construction sectors.
  • Strong and positive client relationships maintained over time.
  • Clear, consistent and proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • High levels of client satisfaction and retention.

About You
  • Proven experience in account management and business development, ideally within drones, aviation, construction, utilities, infrastructure or technology-enabled services.
  • Demonstrated ability to grow business and develop new client relationships in the US market and wider AMER region.
  • Strong understanding of the utilities and/or construction sectors, including how operational, safety and asset challenges can be solved through service-led technology solutions.
  • Exceptional PowerPoint skills, with a strong portfolio of client-facing presentations.
  • Advanced Excel proficiency, particularly in pricing, financial modelling or commercial analysis.
  • Experience responding to public procurement processes such as PQQs, RFPs and ITTs, and managing complex submissions.
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills, with a client-first mindset.
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and strong attention to detail.
  • Enthusiasm for working in an innovative, fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.
  • Interest in aviation, drone technology or emerging technology sectors. Direct drone experience is a plus, but strong sector knowledge and a willingness to learn are equally valuable.

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
  • A collaborative and dynamic work environment with strong opportunities for professional development.
  • Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about aviation and keen to be part of a pioneering company shaping the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for this role.

Apply