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Drone Operator Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Performance Drone Works

Program Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Performance Drone Works

Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$112K - $137K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Performance Drone Works

Senior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Performance Drone Works

IT Support Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Performance Drone Works

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Performance Drone Works

Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ...

Axon

Sales Engineer II - Dedrone

Denver, CO · On-site +1

Basic understanding of Drone technology, desirable experience in flying * Educational background ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and storage devices. * Ability to work ...

Axon

Sales Engineer II - Dedrone (Federal)

Denver, CO · On-site +1

Basic understanding of Drone technology, desirable experience in flying * Educational background ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and storage devices. * Ability to work ...

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All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Drone Operator information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$11

$24

$38

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Highlands Ranch, CO is $24.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone operator?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator?

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 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 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.

Do drone operators make money?

Drone operators can earn varying incomes depending on their experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often get paid per project, hourly, or through contracts, with salaries ranging from entry-level to experienced professionals earning higher wages. Certification and skills in operating different drone types can also influence earning potential.

How do you become a drone operator?

To become a drone operator, you 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 regulations, and having technical skills with drone equipment are important for the role.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, filmmaking, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in flight safety, navigation, and data collection, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Drone Operator jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Drone Operator job openings:

Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,308 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Program Manager

Performance Drone Works

Denver, CO • On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Program Manager to own schedule, cost, and scope across all major cross-functional production programs, driving alignment across the organization and ensuring that strategy is translated into consistent, high-quality execution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead cross-functional development programs from concept through design, integration, verification, and readiness for production transition.
  • Manage program schedules, risk registers, implementation plans, and action-item tracking to ensure disciplined execution.
  • Lead recurring production reviews, change control boards, and cross-functional readiness assessments.
  • Track and report key program metrics, including delivery performance, production readiness, change implementation status, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation progress.
  • Escalate issues proactively and drive resolution of cross-functional challenges affecting production execution.
  • Track progress against design reviews, integration milestones, prototype builds, test events, and validation activities to achieve production release.

Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience leading complex product development programs in engineering-intensive environments.
  • Proven track record managing multidisciplinary hardware and software development efforts from concept through TRL6.
  • Background in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, or other complex technical industries.
  • Familiarity with prototype development, system integration, verification and validation, and transition-to-production processes.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred
  • Ideal candidates have experience at companies such as Anduril, SpaceX, Tesla, Shield AI, or Amazon Robotics and have operated in environments involving government customers, manufacturing scale, and rapid growth.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations, supplier facilities, and other PDW sites. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The pay range for this role is:
120,000 - 145,000 USD per year (DF02)

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