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Drone Operations Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

This is a part-time position (less than 14 hours per week) intended to provide operational Unmanned ... Police protocols, drone equipment, mechanics, and operation; evidence preservation Skill in ...

This is a part-time position (less than 14 hours per week) intended to provide operational Unmanned ... Police protocols, drone equipment, mechanics, and operation; evidence preservation Skill in ...

Coordinate UAV operations with patrol officers, command staff, and other public safety agencies as ... Police protocols, drone equipment, mechanics, and operation; evidence preservation Skill in ...

Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning. * Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and ...

Reality Capture Project Manager

Woodbury, MN ยท On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning. * Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and ...

Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning. * Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and ...

Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning. * Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and ...

Reality Capture Project Manager

Plymouth, MN ยท On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Lead strategies for capturing existing conditions, including drone surveys and mobile/terrestrial LiDAR scanning. * Field Operations & Strategy: Plan scanning coverage, define capture techniques, and ...

Senior Surveyor I - Civil

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Serve as a primary drone resource through flight operations, Propeller project site creation, target layout, and data processing * * Participate in survey group meetings, training opportunities ...

Lead Surveyor I - Civil

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Serve as a primary drone resource, including flight operations, Propeller project site creation, data upload/processing, pilot training, flight planning, and troubleshooting. * Develop and maintain ...

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Drone Operations information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$24

$49

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Minnesota is $24.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $27.88 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,097 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Field Operations & Integration Manager

Sine-Engineering

Virginia, MN โ€ข On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Sine Engineering builds the technology behind reliable drone autonomy- communications, navigation, and control systems that enable coordinated multi-drone operations at scale. More than 200 UAV manufacturers rely on our technologies, and our solutions power many of the interceptor operations active today. Through our dual-use platform, we support civilian innovation while helping democratic nations strengthen their technological advantage.

Any drone. Any scale. Anywhere. Resilient communication, navigation, and coordination systems built for the age of autonomy.

We are seeking a Field Operations & Integration Manager to lead technology integration and adoption for military and enterprise customers- from initial technical requirements through deployment, user training, and feedback-driven product improvements.

Responsibilities Project & Client Integration Management
  • Own client integration projects end-to-end, from initial discovery and requirements gathering through deployment and handoff to support teams.

  • Lead structured discovery sessions with clients to understand UAV platforms, mission requirements, integration environments, and success criteria.

  • Translate complex or ambiguous customer requirements into clear technical specifications, project scope, and acceptance criteria.

  • Work closely with engineering teams to validate feasibility, estimate effort, and develop implementation plans.

  • Plan project timelines, resources, priorities, and deliverables while coordinating engineers, pilots, and technical specialists.

  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Manage risks, dependencies, scope changes, and stakeholder expectations to ensure successful project delivery.

Field Operations & Demonstrations
  • Coordinate product demonstrations, field trials, and deployment activities.

  • Ensure readiness of equipment, personnel, documentation, and training materials for customer engagements.

  • Organize and support acceptance testing, user onboarding, and customer training activities.

  • Collect, structure, and communicate customer feedback to Product and R&D teams.

  • Support troubleshooting efforts and coordinate resolution of field-reported issues.

Operational Coordination
  • Provide operational coordination for the U.S. office, ensuring alignment across Integration, R&D, Logistics, and Operations teams.

  • Coordinate equipment shipments, inventory readiness, and logistical support for field activities.

  • Track project milestones, documentation, and compliance requirements.

  • Identify bottlenecks and drive corrective actions to maintain project momentum.

  • Maintain project documentation, status reporting, change logs, and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience managing technical projects (experience with hardware, drones, R&D, or systems integration is a strong plus).

  • Experience leading complex technical integration projects involving both hardware and software components.

  • Proven ability to translate ambiguous client requirements into structured specifications, well-defined project scopes, and actionable deliverables.

  • Strong client-facing communication skills and confidence leading technical discussions with customers and stakeholders.

  • Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination abilities.

  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams in a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-pressure environment.

  • Experience with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Notion, or similar platforms.

  • Strong risk and change management capabilities, with a high level of ownership, accountability, and self-organization.

  • Willingness to travel and support field activities as required.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications
  • Experience working with UAVs, robotics, embedded systems, or defense technologies.

  • Experience organizing and managing field trials, testing campaigns, and hardware demonstrations.

  • Basic understanding of networking, communications systems, and electronics.

  • PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum Master, or similar project management certifications.

  • Experience working with distributed international teams.

  • Previous experience supporting military, defense, or government customers.

Compensation

Compensation will be based on current market data for similar Field Operations & Integration Manager roles within the United States. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as experience, certifications, geographic location, and the scope of responsibilities.

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Final salary details will be discussed during the interview process and determined in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including applicable pay transparency requirements.

Please note: This statement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding offer of employment.

Location

Fredericksburg, Virginia (On-site)

Eligibility

Sine Engineering and its employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry requirements is expected.

Our reputation for integrity and innovation is as important as our commitment to delivering advanced communication, navigation, and sensing solutions.

Sine Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Culture Statement

Don't meet every requirement?

Research shows that many talented individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification listed in a job description. At Sine Engineering, we value potential, authenticity, and diverse perspectives. If you're excited about our mission but don't meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the perfect fit for this role- or another opportunity within our growing organization.

Join Us

Join our dynamic team and help shape the future of UAV technology by bridging the gap between advanced engineering and real-world operational success. If you're passionate about aviation, defense technology, and mission-critical systems- and excited to work at the intersection of innovation, customer engagement, and field operations- we encourage you to apply.

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