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Drone Operations Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

Operations Team. This role is focused exclusively on performing drone-based inspections of wind turbines and collecting visual data to support blade condition assessments. You will travel to wind ...

Drone Pilot

Topeka, KS · On-site

$60/day

Operations Team. This role is focused exclusively on performing drone-based inspections of wind turbines and collecting visual data to support blade condition assessments. You will travel to wind ...

Field Robotics Operator US

Topeka, KS · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

S. Operations Team. This is a unique hybrid role combining professional drone inspection operations with hands-on wind turbine field technician responsibilities. You'll work with cutting-edge ...

Field Robotics Operator US

Topeka, KS · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

S. Operations Team. This is a unique hybrid role combining professional drone inspection operations with hands-on wind turbine field technician responsibilities. You'll work with cutting-edge ...

Drone Operations information

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 Kansas?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Drone Pilot

Aerones

Topeka, KS • On-site

$60/day

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Location: United States | 100% Travel Required | Fixed Term (3 Months)

AERONES is a global leader in advanced wind turbine maintenance and robotic technologies. We are seeking highly motivated Field Drone Pilots (UAS Pilots) to join our growing U.S. Operations Team. 

This role is focused exclusively on performing drone-based inspections of wind turbines and collecting visual data to support blade condition assessments. You will travel to wind farms across the United States, utilizing professional-grade drone technology to capture inspection imagery and document turbine conditions.
If you enjoy technology, aviation, travel, and working in the renewable energy industry, this is an exciting opportunity to build a long-term career with a global leader in wind energy services.


 

What You'll Do
In this role, you will travel to wind farms across the United States, with all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by the company.

As a Field Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for conducting drone inspection missions, collecting high-quality visual data, and supporting turbine blade inspection projects. This position does not include wind turbine maintenance, repair, or climbing responsibilities.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities: 

  • Operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to perform wind turbine inspections in accordance with FAA regulations and company procedures.
  • Capture high-resolution images and inspection data of wind turbine blades, towers, and related components.
  • Take manual photographs of blade rotations and turbine conditions as required by inspection protocols.
  • Conduct pre-flight planning, airspace assessments, risk evaluations, and equipment checks.
  • Maintain safe and compliant flight operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations.
  • Manage, organize, and upload inspection data, photographs, and reports to company systems.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of completed inspections and field activities.
  • Communicate inspection findings and operational updates to project managers and internal teams.
  • Maintain drone equipment and perform routine inspections to ensure operational readiness.
  • Adhere to all company safety policies, client requirements, and industry standards..

Requirements

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required).
  • Experience operating commercial drones in a professional environment.
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to capture high-quality inspection imagery.
  • Experience with data collection, photography, or inspection operations preferred.
  • Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and physical examination.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.


Highly Desired: 

  • DJI Mavic 3, DJI Matrice, or similar commercial inspection drones.
  • Previous experience conducting infrastructure, utility, energy, construction, or industrial inspections.
  • Experience capturing high-quality aerial imagery and inspection data.
  • Familiarity with drone mission planning, flight logging, and data management software.
  • Experience working in renewable energy or wind turbine inspection environments is a plus.


Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and dust.
  • Ability to travel extensively and work in remote field locations.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform field inspection activities for extended periods.
  • Ability to safely wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturer and company guidelines.


Safety-Sensitive Position Requirements:

This is a safety-sensitive position involving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), driving company vehicles, and independent field work at remote wind farm locations.

Employees must be able to safely perform all essential job functions without impairment that could affect judgment, alertness, coordination, decision-making, or operational performance.

Because this role is performed independently with limited supervision, employees must be capable of assessing risks, following established procedures, and responding appropriately to changing site conditions and emergencies.

Candidates must comply with all company, client, FAA, OSHA, and site-specific drug and alcohol policies, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing requirements.

Benefits

What We Offer: 

  • 30 USD/hr
  • Fully paid Travel and Lodging for Projections Nationwide 
  • $60 a day Per Diem for Meal & Incidentals 
  • Work for a Global Team pioneering the future of wind turbine technology

Aerones is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, National Origin, Age, Disability, Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

AERONES - Build the Future!