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Drone Operations Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Operator

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Drone Operator (Swing Shift) Location: Brentwood, TN Employment Type: Full Time Compensation ... Key Responsibilities Mission Planning & Flight Operations * Lead and support mission planning ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$46K - $61K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

We are seeking professionals interested in supporting the day-to-day execution of commercial drone operations. This role focuses on ground operations, aircraft readiness, logistics support, and ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot - 3rd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

What You'll Do Flight Operations & Mission Planning * Plan and execute drone missions, including flight plans, checklists, and use‑case development * Conduct routine and specialized flights ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Memphis, TN · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Memphis, TN · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

STI

Aviation Technical Specialist I

Nashville, TN · On-site

... drone operations on behalf of the state; § Assist with the annual conference and training event called "TN Drone Symposium" for all state employees, local government staff, consultants and vendors ...

Apidel Technologies

Analyst 1

Nashville, TN

Aeronautics Data and Field Support Technician Aeronautics is seeking a contract worker to support airport pavement data, drone operations, and general office tasks. The main duty of this position ...

TSMG

UAS Maintenance Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

We are building a pipeline of maintenance professionals interested in supporting advanced drone operations and autonomous aviation programs. Responsibilities * Perform inspections, preventive ...

FOCUSPOINT

Drone Pilot

Brentwood, TN · On-site

Key Responsibilities Flight Operations & Mission Planning * Plan and execute drone missions ... including advanced operations in controlled airspace. * Maintain readiness for rapid deployment ...

TSMG

UAS Maintenance Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

We are building a pipeline of maintenance professionals interested in supporting advanced drone operations and autonomous aviation programs. Responsibilities * Perform inspections, preventive ...

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Tennessee

Drone Operations information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$22

$45

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Tennessee is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 typically requires certifications, technical skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations, making it a viable career option for those interested in technology and aviation. Job opportunities are expanding as drone technology becomes more widely adopted across sectors.

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.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety protocols, and mastering drone controls and regulations are important steps in the process.

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.

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.

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 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Tennessee? For Drone Operations jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Drone Operations job openings:
Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,360 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Drone Operator

FOCUSPOINT

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position: Drone Operator (Swing Shift)
Location: Brentwood, TN
Employment Type: Full Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Recruiting on behalf of a confidential client

Position Overview

FocusPoint is partnering with a forward‑thinking organization seeking an experienced Drone Operator to support advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations across multiple facilities. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional who thrives in a technology‑driven environment and is motivated by improving safety, operational efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. The position operates on a swing shift schedule and requires periodic travel to client sites.

Key Responsibilities

Mission Planning & Flight Operations

  • Lead and support mission planning, including developing use cases, flight plans, and operational checklists.
  • Conduct routine and specialized drone flights, including BVLOS operations where permitted.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid deployment to support time‑sensitive or emergency response needs.
  • Identify opportunities to expand the use of drone technology to enhance safety, productivity, and cost‑effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Stay current on all federal, state, and local UAS regulations.
  • Ensure all flight operations meet applicable compliance, documentation, and reporting standards.

Safety & Risk Management

  • Implement and uphold safety protocols for all drone operations.
  • Conduct ongoing risk assessments and maintain incident reporting procedures.
  • Promote a culture of safety and operational discipline within the drone program.

Data Acquisition & Analysis

  • Capture, process, and validate aerial data using advanced drone platforms.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and analysts to extract insights from collected data.
  • Manage the delivery of reports and ensure accuracy and completeness of all outputs.

Team Communication & Leadership

  • Maintain operational awareness through consistent communication and updates.
  • Support a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross‑team collaboration.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of experience in a related industry.
  • Demonstrated experience operating drones in complex or industrial environments.
  • Strong understanding of UAS technology, regulations, and safety standards.
  • Experience with mission planning, data collection, and technology implementation.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.

Core Values & Competencies

The ideal candidate embodies:

  • Safety & Discipline — Commitment to safe operations and procedural excellence.
  • Accountability — Ownership of work and high performance standards.
  • Integrity & Respect — Transparent communication and ethical decision‑making.
  • Growth Mindset — Continuous improvement and openness to innovation.
  • Curiosity — Willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new solutions.

Work Environment

  • Shift: Swing shift (evening hours, Monday–Friday).
  • Travel: Approximately 10% to client sites.
  • Environment: Field operations combined with office‑based data processing and planning.

Why Work with FocusPoint
As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, FocusPoint provides access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.

How to Apply
To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.

About FocusPoint:
FocusPoint specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.
 
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