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Drone Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

DPR Construction

BIM Modeler, Electrical

Richmond, VA · On-site

Provide support for VDC based laser scanning, drone operations, RTS, etc. * Support on-site construction team efforts in the implementation of VDC applications, processes, and deliverables. * Aide ...

DPR Construction

BIM Modeler, Electrical

Richmond, VA · On-site

Provide support for VDC based laser scanning, drone operations, RTS, etc. * Support on-site construction team efforts in the implementation of VDC applications, processes, and deliverables. * Aide ...

Axon

System Test Engineer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Prior CUAS or counter-drone operational experience (military or government). Benefits that Benefit You * Competitive salary and 401k with employer match * Discretionary paid time off * Paid parental ...

New

Axon

System Test Engineer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

Prior CUAS or counter-drone operational experience (military or government). Benefits that Benefit You * Competitive salary and 401k with employer match * Discretionary paid time off * Paid parental ...

New

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA

This role ensures efficient production, regulatory compliance, and delivery of high-performance drone systems to government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works ...

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

This role ensures efficient production, regulatory compliance, and delivery of high-performance drone systems to government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works ...

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA

This role ensures efficient production, regulatory compliance, and delivery of high-performance drone systems to government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works ...

Slater Consult

Sales Operations Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

MyDefence is a leading provider of advanced counter-drone technology, delivering mission-critical ... Key Responsibilities As Sales Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing and ...

TrustPoint

Satellite Operations Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... You will be responsible for mission planning, mission operations software architecture ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Virginia

Drone Operations information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$23

$48

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Virginia is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $26.92 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Virginia? For Drone Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Drone Operations job openings:
Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,268 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Sales Operations Specialist

D-Fend Solutions

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Join D-Fend Solutions - where technology meets purpose.
As the global leader in cyber-takeover counter-drone technology, we develop advanced solutions that keep airspaces safe from evolving drone threats. Our team - including veterans of elite military tech units - pushes boundaries every day to deliver smarter, faster, and safer protection for customers worldwide.
If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology, real-world impact, and working in a collaborative, high-energy environment - we'd love to have you on board.
Become a D-Fender. Shape the future of airspace security.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage the sales pipeline and generate accurate sales forecasts.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor sales Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and processes to maximize efficiency and performance.
  • Select, deploy, and administer sales automation tools.
  • Ensure alignment of sales activities with cross-functional departments, including Operations, Finance, Pre-sales, Services, and Legal.
  • Oversee, manage, and execute governmental administrative and compliance processes.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, identifying trends to inform and improve overall sales performance.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to design and execute effective sales campaigns.
  • Utilize research and reporting skills to analyze consumer trends and sales data for robust sales forecasting.
  • Demonstrate strong financial and business acumen to evaluate sales profitability and pinpoint new opportunities.
  • Support the onboarding of new sales representatives by providing training on CRM systems, sales processes, and essential sales tools.
  • Maintain a commitment to continuous professional development and actively support the growth of other team members.

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in sales operations, preferably in a global high-tech industry
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, industrial engineering, marketing, or a related field
  • Experience with sales automation tools (e.g., NetSuite, Salesforce, HubSpot, CRM systems)
  • Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, SQL)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
  • Detail-oriented and data-driven approach

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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