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Drone Operator Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Wipro Limited

SME L1

Bentonville, VA · On-site

$25K - $50K/mo

... pilot-in-command (" PIC ") * Monitor for and report hazardous weather conditions in the operating ... Drone Scan. The expected compensation for this role ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 . Final ...

Parsons

C-UxS Program Lead

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Direct experience with C-UxS or counter-drone systems strongly preferred; broader UxS/aviation ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (required) * Secret Clearance required Specialized ...

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Drone Operator Pilot information

What is a drone operator pilot?

Drone Operator Pilots are professionals trained to control and navigate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They are responsible for planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight checks, and safely operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, or delivery services. In addition to piloting the drones, they may also be required to analyze data collected during flights and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. Drone Operator Pilots often work for private companies, government agencies, or as independent contractors, and must typically obtain relevant certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operator Pilot, you need strong technical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often backed by a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA or equivalent authority. Proficiency with drone control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you adapt to changing environments and coordinate safely with teams or clients. These skills ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations that meet project objectives and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges drone operator pilots face when working on field assignments?

Drone Operator Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining compliance with evolving aviation regulations, and ensuring safe flight operations in complex environments. Field assignments may require quick troubleshooting of technical issues with the drone or its equipment and effective communication with team members and clients to meet project goals. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing these challenges is crucial for successful missions and safety.

What is the difference between Drone Operator Pilot vs Drone Technician?

AspectDrone Operator PilotDrone Technician
CredentialsRemote Pilot Certification, FAA Part 107Technical certifications, repair licenses
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial operationsIndoor repair shops, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageAerial photography, surveying, inspectionsEquipment maintenance, repairs

Drone Operator Pilots focus on flying drones for various applications, requiring pilot certifications. Drone Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, requiring technical skills. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but serve different functions.

Can you make good money as a drone operator pilot?

Drone operator pilots can earn varying incomes depending on experience, industry, and type of projects, with freelance pilots often charging hourly or per project rates. Salaries for full-time positions typically range from moderate to high, especially for specialized skills like aerial photography, surveying, or inspection work. Earning potential increases with certifications, advanced equipment, and a strong portfolio.

How much do drone operator pilots earn?

Drone operator pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certified pilots with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection can earn higher wages, especially with additional certifications and equipment knowledge.

Is there a demand for drone operator pilots?

The demand for drone operator pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and inspection services. Certified pilots with skills in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and knowledge of relevant regulations are increasingly sought after as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator Pilot jobs in Virginia?

For Drone Operator Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operator Pilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operator Pilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drone Operator Pilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Drone Operator Pilot job openings:

Drone Operator Pilot jobs near you

Virtual Construction - Reality Capture Manager

Jobtailor

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

  • Lead HITT Contracting’s enterprise-wide adoption of reality capture technologies
  • Own the complete data lifecycle from field capture planning through processing actionable insights
  • Create and implement enterprise-wide reality capture SOPs
  • Mentor 3–5 Reality Capture Associates and provide training and technical support to project teams
  • Establish quality-control protocols for captured data
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and build business cases for adoption
  • Manage and evolve the reality capture toolkit
  • Transform raw scan data into actionable project insights
  • Collaborate with BIM Coordination and HITT Operations teams
  • Manage equipment inventory and vendor relationships
  • Present reality capture value propositions to win new work and strengthen client relationships
Requirements
  • 5–7 years of experience in BIM/VDC, surveying, or geospatial data management roles
  • Hands‑on experience with 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, and LiDAR technologies
  • Strong understanding of surveying principles and coordinate systems
  • Ability to operate FARO, NavVis, and Leica laser scanners
  • Experience with ReCap Pro, FARO Scene, Leica Cyclone, NavVis, Revit, and Navisworks
  • Proficiency reading and interpreting construction documents, shop drawings, and design communication tools
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • Proficiency leading teams of 3+ people preferred
  • Familiarity with drone operations and FAA Part 107 certification preferred
  • Background in data science or machine learning applications in construction preferred
  • Track record of piloting and implementing new technologies at scale preferred
  • Expertise in Nvidia Omniverse and Digital Twin development preferred
  • Experience with Gaussian Splatting and related immersive capture technologies preferred
  • Ability to navigate construction sites with uneven terrain, stairs, and ladders
  • Comfortable lifting equipment up to 50 lbs
  • Capable of standing for extended periods during scans
  • Willingness to travel to project locations
  • Ability to work in weather, dust, noise, and other active construction‑site conditions
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in reality capture technologies, including 3D laser scanning and LiDAR, while effectively managing teams and implementing standard operating procedures. Proficient in data lifecycle management and collaboration with cross‑functional teams to deliver actionable insights.

Highest‑signal resume keywords
  • BIM/VDC Experience
  • 3D Laser Scanning
  • LiDAR Technologies
  • Team Leadership
  • Construction Management Degree
ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills
  • 3D Laser Scanning
  • Photogrammetry
  • Surveying Principles
  • Data Lifecycle Management
  • Construction Document Interpretation
  • Digital Twin Development
  • Gaussian Splatting
  • Machine Learning Applications
Soft Skills
  • Mentoring
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
Certifications & Qualifications
  • FAA Part 107 Certification
Industry Keywords
  • Reality Capture
  • Geospatial Data Management
  • Construction Management
  • BIM Coordination
  • Vendor Management
Tools & Technologies
  • FARO Scanner
  • NavVis Scanner
  • Leica Scanner
  • ReCap Pro
  • FARO Scene
  • Leica Cyclone
  • Navisworks
  • Revit
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