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Drone Operators Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

... • Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded) • Experience in people and ... uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) • Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) • ...

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

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 ...

Axon

Senior Product Manager, Defeat

Sterling, VA

$125K - $165K/yr

... turn drone detections into coordinated responses. You'll partner with engineering, design, and field teams to ship the tools operators use to neutralize threats - kinetic and non-kinetic - at ...

Bechtel

PIMS Senior GIS Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

... operating an ArcGIS Enterprise solution, and an advanced level of proficiency and demonstrated ... Reality capture - drone/UAV program; LiDAR point clouds and photogrammetry into 3D models ...

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All JobsDrone Operators JobsDrone Operators Jobs in Virginia

Drone Operators information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$23

$58

How much do drone operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operators in Virginia is $23.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $24.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do drone operators get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $80,000 annually for full-time positions, especially in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection that require specialized skills and certifications.

What is the difference between Drone Operators vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperatorsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certificationFAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentVaries from construction sites to film setsTypically flying drones in outdoor or controlled environments
Employer & IndustryMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilmmaking, aerial photography, surveying

Drone Operators and Drone Pilots often share certifications and work environments, but Drone Pilots usually focus on flying drones for filming or photography, while Drone Operators may handle broader operational tasks. Both roles are essential in industries utilizing drone technology, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. Employers seek certified operators skilled in operating drones and understanding regulations, with job opportunities increasing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

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 airspace regulations, and mastering drone controls and safety procedures are important steps in the process.

Is drone piloting a good career?

Drone operators are responsible for flying and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. The field offers opportunities for technical skill development and often requires certification, with job prospects growing as drone technology expands. However, it can involve irregular hours and regulatory compliance.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drone Operators jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Drone Operators job openings:

Drone Operators jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operators job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,015 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Senior Technical Lead

Zetier

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Zetier is looking for a Senior Technical Lead with a strong foundation in cybersecurity, programming, and problem-solving. The role involves supporting various technical efforts and requires excellent technical knowledge and skills in software development and project management.
Responsibilities:
• Excellent technical knowledge and skills in/with the following:Low-level software development (C/C++, uBoot, kernel drivers)
• Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++)
• Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM)
• Developing in scripting languages (Python)
• Debuggers and decompilers (gdb, Binja, IDA Pro)
• Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded)
• Experience in people and project management
• Effective communication with customers and teammates
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Active US Security Clearance (TS/SCI)
• Desired Qualifications
• Networking experience (802.11ac, Zigbee, GSM, SATCOM, SDN, UHF/VHF, 5g)
• Securely implemented cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, SHA256, ECDSA)
• Integration with standard system libraries (POSIX, WIN32 API, socket API)
• Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT)
• Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS)
• Successfully led engineering teams (DEV/RE/VR)
• Developed/patched version control software itself (git, svn, mercurial)
• Worked with DoD/IC customers in support of technical operations
• Experience writing technical proposals and white papers
• Strong organizational skills
Qualifications:
Required:
• Excellent technical knowledge and skills in/with the following: Low-level software development (C/C++, uBoot, kernel drivers)
• Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++)
• Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM)
• Developing in scripting languages (Python)
• Debuggers and decompilers (gdb, Binja, IDA Pro)
• Operating system internals (Linux, Windows, mobile, embedded)
• Experience in people and project management
• Effective communication with customers and teammates
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Active US Security Clearance (TS/SCI)
Preferred:
• Networking experience (802.11ac, Zigbee, GSM, SATCOM, SDN, UHF/VHF, 5g)
• Securely implemented cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, SHA256, ECDSA)
• Integration with standard system libraries (POSIX, WIN32 API, socket API)
• Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT)
• Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS)
• Successfully led engineering teams (DEV/RE/VR)
• Developed/patched version control software itself (git, svn, mercurial)
• Worked with DoD/IC customers in support of technical operations
• Experience writing technical proposals and white papers
• Strong organizational skills
Company:
Zetier provides cybersecurity products, network infrastructure, database management, cloud computing, and technical solutions. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Arlington, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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