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Drone Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Evaluate and manage external survey service providers, drone operators, and equipment vendors. * Recommend and integrate new tools (e.g., automated pole-mount detection, AI-enhanced utility clash ...

Evaluate and manage external survey service providers, drone operators, and equipment vendors. * Recommend and integrate new tools (e.g., automated pole-mount detection, AI-enhanced utility clash ...

... operators across North America. As Motorola Solutions expands its ecosystem strategy, we are rapidly scaling our cutting-edge Drone and Counter Drone Portfolio to push the boundaries of situational ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the ...

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the ...

Carpenter

Indianapolis, IN

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Reality Capture * Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

... operating alongside people and industrial equipment. You will define how functional safety ... Own the end-to-end robotics safety architecture for AMR and drone platforms, spanning sensors ...

Reality Capture * Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

Internship - High School

Fishers, IN

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Reality Capture * Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

Construction Laborer

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Reality Capture * Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

Drone Technology * News & Media * SOUTHEAST OFFICE My Account Career Opportunities ... We have enjoyed tremendous success and growth, operating in diverse commercial, multi-family ...

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Drone Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$21

$35

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Indiana is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a drone legally fly over your house?

Drone operators must follow federal, state, and local regulations when flying, which generally prohibit flying over private property without permission. In many areas, flying over someone's house without consent can be considered trespassing or invasion of privacy. Operators should be aware of airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations, especially for commercial purposes or flights near private residences.

What are some common challenges faced by drone operators during field operations?

Drone operators often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, maintaining compliance with local aviation regulations, and troubleshooting technical issues with equipment in the field. Additionally, they may need to coordinate closely with team members or clients on-site to ensure safety and meet project objectives. Effective communication and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to mitigate risks and complete missions successfully.

What are drone operators and what do they do?

Drone operators are professionals who pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, mapping, agriculture, and delivery services. They are responsible for planning flights, operating the drone safely, capturing data or images, and maintaining equipment. Drone operators must comply with aviation regulations, ensure safe flight paths, and often analyze the data collected during their missions. The job requires technical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certification depending on the country and type of operation.

Which animal is called a drone?

In biology, a drone is a male bee responsible for mating with the queen. In a military or technical context, a drone refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle used for surveillance, photography, or delivery. The term's meaning depends on the industry and application.

What is the difference between Drone Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certificationFAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentIndoor/outdoor, various industriesOutdoor, primarily flight operations
Employer & IndustryMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilmmaking, surveying, inspection
Common Search IntentOperational roles, job descriptionsFlying, piloting, flight skills

While both Drone Operators and Drone Pilots require FAA Part 107 certification and often work in similar environments, Drone Operators typically focus on managing drone operations, data collection, and payload handling. Drone Pilots primarily focus on flying the drone, ensuring safe and precise flight. The roles often overlap, but Drone Operators may handle more of the operational planning and data processing, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on the actual flight execution.

What is a drone in slang?

In slang, a drone often refers to a person who is perceived as monotonous, unoriginal, or lacking independence, similar to a continuous buzzing sound. For drone operators, understanding this slang is useful when communicating about remote-controlled devices or in casual conversations, but it is not related to their professional role. The term is more common in informal speech than in technical contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight control software, GPS systems, and camera operation is crucial for effective and safe operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set standout operators apart, especially when working in teams or with clients. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality drone operations across diverse industries such as surveying, videography, and inspection.

What does drone mean?

A drone, in the context of a drone operator, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is remotely controlled or autonomous. Drone operators are responsible for flying and managing these devices, often using specialized skills and certifications, for purposes such as photography, surveillance, or inspection.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in Indiana? For Drone Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Drone Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Drone Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in IN? For Drone Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Equipment Specialist - Equipment Specialist Sr.

Aep

Fort Wayne, IN โ€ข On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date

06-16-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

The Equipment Specialist is responsible for specialized work involved in planning, testing, receiving, storing, assembling, adjustment and repair of Station equipment such as: power transformer's, reactor's, current transformer's, switchers, circuit breakers, circuit switcher's, potential device's, regulator's, power cable's, oil, paint, and all associated accessories.

Job Description

This Equipment Specialist role requires joining the TFS Dedicated Team to perform FAC-008 field verification work within your reporting region and obtaining a Part-107 drone operator license, as drone-based evidence collection is the primary method used at EHV stations.

What You'll Do:

  • Instruct others or perform routine and emergency tests on Station electrical equipment as required.
  • Prepare and maintain Station electrical equipment records.
  • Develop and assist with presentations in Centralized Station Electrician Training Schools.
  • Coordinate bidding contracts and monitor performance of contractors.
  • Investigate failures or malfunctions of electrical equipment, make reports to proper parties, and recommend corrective action as required.
  • Check all details of installation and release electrical equipment for operation.
  • Perform or direct modernization and rebuilding of Station electrical equipment

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

  • Associate's degree in electrical/mechanical/industrial maintenance technology or equivalent education and/or experience.
  • Equivalent education and experience is limited to military training and work experience of technical/technician nature (such as aviation and nuclear instrumentation technician)
  • or recent experience (within last 6 months) as a Station Electrician or equivalent job title with another electric utility or contractor.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

  • Work experience should include a minimum of 3 years' in Station or Protection & Control related activities.
  • A good working knowledge of PC's and various types of test equipment is preferred.

What You'll Get:

Equipment Specialist - $87,633 - $109,544

Equipment Specialist Sr. - $98,993 - $128,689

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: H - Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.