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Drone Operator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... You'll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials, and live ...

Valcourt

Drone Operator (71090)

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning Work Schedule: * Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights available) * Morning Shift from 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM Drone Pilot Operators use advanced drone technology ...

Apex Systems

Drone Operator - Drone Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Job#: 3040554 Drone Operator - Drone Operator Location: Seattle, Washington (Onsite) COMPENSATION ... This includes at least 2 years of remote-control pilot experience and a minimum of 200 flight hours ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

... drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This ... You will serve as an additional Part 107 certified pilot to meet our growing testing and mission ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

... drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This ... You will serve as an additional Part 107 certified pilot to meet our growing testing and mission ...

Allen Control Systems

Advanced Drone Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

... drone operator who is experienced in building, configuring, and flying advanced UAV systems. This ... You will serve as an additional Part 107 certified pilot to meet our growing testing and mission ...

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

Drone Operator Type: Part-Time/ Contract Location: Fort Bragg, NC Position Summary : We are seeking ... Must possess and maintain a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating.

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Liberty, NC · On-site

Drone Operator Type: Part-Time/ Contract Location: Fort Bragg, NC Position Summary : We are seeking ... Must possess and maintain a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating.

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

Drone Operator Type: Part-Time/ Contract Location: Fort Bragg, NC Position Summary : We are seeking ... Must possess and maintain a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating.

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Drone Operator Pilot information

What are Drone Operator Pilots?

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 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.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has hired drone pilots for delivery and inventory tasks, with reported pay rates typically ranging from $15 to $25 per hour. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the specific responsibilities of the drone operator role, which often requires certification and familiarity with drone technology and safety protocols.

Is becoming a drone pilot worth it?

Becoming a drone pilot offers opportunities in industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection, often requiring certification and knowledge of FAA regulations. The job can involve flexible schedules and operating in various environments, with earning potential depending on experience and specialization.

Will drone pilots be replaced by AI?

Drone pilots perform tasks that require human judgment, decision-making, and adaptability, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI and automation can assist with certain operations, skilled drone pilots are still essential for complex, dynamic environments and regulatory compliance.

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 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.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for drone pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. Certified drone operators with skills in flight safety, regulations, and equipment maintenance are increasingly sought after as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.
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Drone Operator Pilot jobs near you

Drone Operator

Scout AI

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work.

The Role
We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso Robles, CA. You'll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials, and live mission rehearsals - operating both manually and in supervised-autonomy modes. This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who is comfortable in the air, meticulous about safety, and energized by working at the frontier of defense robotics.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, set up, and execute drone flight operations in support of autonomy testing and mission rehearsals.
  • Pilot uncrewed aerial systems manually and supervise autonomous flight, intervening safely when needed.
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload issues in the field.
  • Capture, log, and organize flight data, telemetry, and observations to feed our model training and engineering teams.
  • Enforce airspace, range, and safety protocols, and help maintain compliance with FAA and site regulations.
  • Provide clear, structured feedback to engineers on system performance, failure modes, and edge cases.
  • Support field deployments, including equipment transport, staging, and recovery.

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience operating drones / uncrewed aerial systems (commercial, military, or equivalent).
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or the ability to obtain one prior to start. Scout AI
  • Strong situational awareness, sound judgment under pressure, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
  • Comfort working outdoors in varied conditions at a test range, with the ability to lift and transport equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills with hardware, batteries, and payloads.
  • Clear communicator who can document observations and collaborate closely with engineers.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen (required for work on defense programs).

Why Join Scout

  • Work on the world's most important frontier, ensuring U.S. dominance in the age of intelligent machines
  • Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
  • Collaborate with some of the top engineers in autonomy, AI, and national security
  • Help define the future of intelligent defense systems
  • Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors

Apply