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Drone Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Slater Consult

Marketing Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

At MyDefence, we develop world-leading counter-drone technology that helps protect military ... Trusted by military organizations, governments, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide, we ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) * Experience in people and project ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

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All JobsDrone Operator JobsDrone Operator Jobs in Reston, VA

Drone Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$23

$38

How much do drone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operator in Reston, VA is $23.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $22.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Drone Operator jobs in Reston, VA? For Drone Operator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operator jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operator jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Drone Operator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Drone Operator job openings:
Drone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,864 per year, or $24 per hour.

Drone Operator

Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
Edgewater Federal Solutions is seeking experienced Drone Operators to support unmanned aerial systems operations for mission-focused security and protection events. The Drone Operator will deploy, operate, and support C-UAS platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, rapid response operations, and real-time video and data transmission in support of mission-critical operations.
This role requires hands-on C-UAS flight operations experience, strong situational awareness, and the ability to operate in fast-paced, high-visibility environments. Candidates must be able to coordinate with operational stakeholders, follow established procedures, maintain readiness, and ensure all flight activities comply with FAA regulations, applicable federal requirements, operational directives, and safety standards.
Work Location: Washington, DC with ability to travel nationwide in support of protection events; event-based onsite support required.
Work Arrangement: Onsite/event-based support with potential 24/7 operational coverage.
Clearance: U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain required federal suitability or security clearance as required for the assignment.
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, operate, and recover C-UAS platforms in support of protection events, including persistent ISR coverage and mobile rapid response missions.
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective C-UAS operations.
  • Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to command-and-control teams and other designated stakeholders.
  • Operate C-UAS payloads, including high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, communications relay equipment, and related ISR sensors.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid launch and support time-sensitive response requirements during protection events.
  • Coordinate with operations centers, security teams, IT personnel, and event stakeholders to support mission objectives.
  • Support integration of C-UAS data feeds with secure command-and-control infrastructure, including video distribution and operational communication systems.
  • Assist with interoperability testing, secure data transmission, bandwidth management, and troubleshooting of C-UAS communications or network connectivity issues.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, maintenance activities, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs.
  • Ensure all C-UAS equipment is maintained in operational condition and coordinate logistics, spare parts, and repair support as needed.
  • Participate in pre-event briefings and post-event debriefings with operational stakeholders.
  • Follow all applicable FAA regulations, federal requirements, operational directives, safety standards, and information handling procedures.

Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Ability to maintain aeronautical knowledge currency and keep required certification documentation accessible during C-UAS operations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, or federal mission environments.
  • Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
  • Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and C-UAS operating limitations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS sensors or payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications relay systems.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear updates in operational environments.
  • Ability to travel nationwide and support variable schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience supporting federal, law enforcement, military, protective services, emergency management, or national special security event operations.
  • Experience with larger ISR C-UAS platforms, mobile rapid response C-UAS platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
  • Experience with secure video distribution, TAK, VIDTERRA, tactical communications, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
  • Platform-specific C-UAS training, manufacturer certifications, military C-UAS operator training, or equivalent operational experience.
  • Active federal suitability or security clearance.

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Pre-Tax 401K and/or After-Tax Roth IRA (with employer matching contribution)
  • Tuition and Technical Training Reimbursement
  • Wellness Benefit
  • Tech Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and standard office equipment
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer workThe employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
  • Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Exposure to general office conditions while conducting office duties
  • Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
  • Ability to work in a confined area
  • Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period

Working at Edgewater Federal Solutions:
Edgewater Federal Solutions is a privately held government contracting firm located in Frederick, MD. The company was founded in 2002 with the vision of being highly recognized and admired for supporting customer missions through employee empowerment, exceptional services, and timely delivery. Edgewater Federal Solutions is ISO 9001, 20000-1, 270001 certified, appraised at CMMI Level 3 Maturity for Development and Services, and has been named in the Top Workplaces in the Greater Washington Area Small Companies since 2018.
Edgewater Federal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and continues to be our policy to provide equal employment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status and/or other status protected by applicable law.

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