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Drone Operations Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Flock

Field Deployment Specialist

Denver, CO

$60K - $80K/yr

The Problem As Flock rapidly expands our DFR (Drone as a First Responder) solutions, establishing robust, reliable physical infrastructure on the ground is essential to powering aerial operations.

Performance Drone Works

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Support field operations and serve as a technical escalation point for complex issues. Requirements

Spriggs

Project Engineer - 100% Travel

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Maintain FAA Part 107 Drone License and conduct UAV operations as required. * Support layout, surveying, and quantity take-offs for materials. * Maintain project logs. (Quantity tracker, Submittal ...

SCALIS

Global Payroll Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

As the global leader in drone entertainment , we've been redefining live shows for over a decade ... Administer and oversee full-cycle payroll operations across multiple countries and entities within ...

New

PDW

IT Support Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... to-day operations of their IT environment. Responsibilities : • Handle Tier 1/2 incidents ...

KrateoSky

Senior DevSecOps Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$111 - $170/hr

We are not a drone company. We are the autonomy... Senior DevSecOps Engineer About KrateoSky ... Collaborate with SRE and IT Operations to share a unified rotational on-call schedule. Develop ...

Re:Build Manufacturing

Electrical Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$116K - $175K/yr

At Re:Build we deploy deep expertise in engineering, operations management, and technology to ... drone avionics, control electronics, and wire harnesses. What you get to do! * Compose, develop ...

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Drone Operations information

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$10

$23

$46

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Colorado is $23.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are drone operations?

Drone operations refer to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, mapping, delivery, and surveillance. These operations involve planning flight paths, piloting drones, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collecting or analyzing data captured by the drone. Drone operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, public safety, and logistics, depending on the mission and type of drone used. Safety, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements are key aspects of successful drone operations.

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

To thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of aviation regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and various drone platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you manage missions safely and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations across a range of industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in drone operations, and how can they be addressed?

Drone operations professionals frequently encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and maintaining equipment reliability. Adapting flight plans to sudden weather shifts and staying updated on evolving FAA regulations are essential for safe and legal operation. Additionally, effective pre- and post-flight maintenance routines help minimize technical issues. Collaborating closely with team members, such as airspace coordinators and data analysts, ensures that missions are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Drone Operations vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperationsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, safety trainingFAA Part 107 certification, flight training
Work EnvironmentTeam coordination, planning, and managementFlying drones, on-site or remote
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilming, surveying, inspection

Drone Operations involves managing drone missions, coordinating teams, and planning flights, often requiring additional project management skills. Drone Pilots focus primarily on flying drones and capturing footage or data. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Operations emphasizes coordination and planning, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on piloting skills and flight execution.

Are drone operations in high demand?

Drone operations professionals are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and film production due to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Skills in piloting, maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects as the industry expands.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the relevant aviation authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety regulations, and mastering drone controls and maintenance are important steps in the process.

Is a drone operations a good career?

Drone operations is a growing field that involves piloting and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety regulations, making it a viable career option with increasing demand. Job prospects depend on industry growth and regional regulations.

What do drone operations get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $35,000 to over $70,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with certifications and specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. Pay may also vary based on whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Colorado?

For Drone Operations jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,034 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Staff Electrical Engineer

Performance Drone Works

Denver, CO • On-site

$172K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
What You'll Do
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple electrical subsystems and product programs.
  • Architect complex electrical systems and serve as a recognized technical authority.
  • Define and uphold electrical engineering standards, methodologies, and development processes.
  • Lead critical design reviews and technical decision-making processes.
  • Drive continuous improvement in reliability, manufacturability, testability, scalability, and production efficiency.
  • Partner closely with engineering leadership, product management, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Mentor engineers across all experience levels.
  • Support supplier engagement and production issue resolution.
  • Lead root cause investigations for complex system-level failures.
  • Serve as a technical escalation point for challenging electrical issues.

Requirements
  • Expert-level proficiency with Altium Designer.
  • Deep expertise in analog, digital, power electronics, and embedded hardware systems.
  • Extensive experience designing high-speed digital systems.
  • Strong understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation, and reliability engineering.
  • Proven experience leading electrical architecture decisions.
  • Experience supporting high-rate manufacturing environments.
  • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of professional electronics development experience including technical leadership.

Preferred
  • Direct experience designing UAVs, robotics platforms, aerospace systems, or autonomous systems.
  • Experience developing advanced power systems.
  • Familiarity with AS9100, ISO9001, IPC, or MIL standards.
  • Experience qualifying suppliers and scaling production.
  • Track record of mentoring engineers and building teams.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements.
ITAR Requirement
In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The pay range for this role is:
172,000 - 197,000 USD per year (DF02)

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