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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quadrant, Inc.

UAS/Drone Pilot (Chief)

Sterling, VA

$150K/yr

Chief UAS Pilot Sterling, VA Salary From: $150,000 per year MUST: Experienced Chief UAS Pilot 5+ ... Experience in training delivery and development. DUTIES: Oversee States Drone program in ...

Platform Aerospace

Contract UAV Pilot

Blackstone, VA · On-site

Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command. * Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance. * Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top ...

Dollartree

Corporate G280 Pilot

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

Minimum 4,000 hours total flight time, including: * 2,000 hours multi-engine * 1,000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in jet aircraft * Current aircraft type rating in accordance with FAR 61 requirements

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Oversee the Heven AeroTech United States Drone program in collaboration with our overseas offices. * Oversee all drones, drone pilots, programs, and training for the United States. * Work with supply ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Oversee the Heven AeroTech United States Drone program in collaboration with our overseas offices. * Oversee all drones, drone pilots, programs, and training for the United States. * Work with supply ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

Oversee the Heven AeroTech United States Drone program in collaboration with our overseas offices. * Oversee all drones, drone pilots, programs, and training for the United States. * Work with supply ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, VA · On-site

Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command. * Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance. * Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate. * Up to ...

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Drone Pilot In Command information

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

To thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling unexpected situations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and successful drone missions across diverse industries.

What are the common challenges faced by a Drone Pilot In Command when operating in diverse environments?

As a Drone Pilot In Command, you may frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, complying with evolving airspace regulations, and coordinating with on-site teams in unfamiliar or complex locations. Each environment—urban, rural, or industrial—presents unique obstacles, like signal interference or restricted access. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to ensure safe and successful operations in any setting.

What is a Drone Pilot In Command?

A Drone Pilot In Command (PIC) is the individual legally responsible for the operation and safety of a drone flight. This person oversees the entire mission, makes operational decisions, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations. The PIC must hold the appropriate certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S. They are also responsible for pre-flight planning, assessing risks, maintaining communication, and responding to emergencies. Ultimately, the Drone Pilot In Command ensures all aspects of the drone operation are conducted safely and legally.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot In Command vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot In CommandDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMay also hold Part 107 or other certifications, but less emphasis on command authority
Work EnvironmentResponsible for flight operations, safety, and compliance during drone missionsAssists with drone setup, data collection, and post-flight tasks
Employer & IndustryCommercial drone services, aerial photography, surveying, inspectionSupport roles within the same industries, often working under the Pilot In Command

The main difference is that the Drone Pilot In Command holds the legal responsibility for drone flights, including safety and compliance, while the Drone Operator typically assists with operational tasks. Both roles often work together, but the Pilot In Command has the final authority and accountability during flights.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Virginia? For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:
Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you

Pixis Drones - Chief Drone Swarm Pilot

RedPeg Marketing

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Location: Hybrid / Alexandria, VA - Remote
Title: Chief Pilot
Reports to: Director of Flight Operations
WHAT WE'RE ABOUT:
Pixis Drones crafts awe-inspiring aerial experiences by marrying artistry, engineering, and
storytelling. We design and deliver large-scale drone light shows for brands, live events, and
cultural moments around the globe. We're a nimble, innovative, and entrepreneurial team
passionate about precision, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of aerial entertainment.
THE ROLE:
The Chief Pilot serves as the senior flight authority and steward of operational excellence
for Pixis Drones' aerial shows. This full-time role is responsible for overseeing the overall
health, maintenance, and readiness of the drone fleet; mentoring and managing the pilot
corps; and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local aviation regulations.
The Chief Pilot partners closely with the Director of Flight Operations and company
leadership to develop and enforce standard operating procedures, safety systems, and
compliance frameworks that uphold Pixis' reputation for safe, spectacular, and technically
flawless shows.
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Management
  • Oversee, mentor, and develop the flight operations team, including all certified Part 107 pilots and co-pilots.
  • Establish and maintain pilot qualification, training, and evaluation programs to ensure consistent proficiency across all personnel.
  • Assign pilots and crews to shows based on skill level, readiness, and project scope.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning within the flight department.

Fleet & Systems Oversight
  • Maintain full visibility into the operational health of the drone fleet, including airframes, batteries, RTK ground systems, and control software.
  • Direct maintenance, repair, and lifecycle management of all flight hardware; ensure all equipment meets operational and regulatory standards.
  • Manage maintenance logs, RMA tracking, and system readiness documentation.• Collaborate with technical teams to vet and implement new technologies that improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance & Airspace Management
  • Serve as the company's primary liaison with the FAA and other relevant regulatory bodies.
  • Submit and manage all flight authorizations, waivers, and NOTAMs required for Pixis shows.
  • Maintain deep knowledge of Part 107, Remote ID, airspace classifications, and evolving regulations relevant to swarm operations and drone light shows.
  • Build and sustain relationships within the FAA and local authorities to advocate for safe, innovative use of drone swarm technology.
  • Monitor upcoming regulatory changes and proactively update company policies and procedures.

Safety Standards & Operational Protocols
  • Set and enforce show safety standards, risk mitigation procedures, and go/no-go criteria.
  • Lead the creation and regular revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Operations Manuals, and Emergency Response Plans.
  • Conduct and document pre-mission safety reviews, site assessments, and crew briefings.
  • Evaluate new show sites and airspace to determine risk levels and develop mitigation plans.
  • Budgeting & Strategic Operations
  • Partner with the Director of Flight Operations to create and manage the flight ops department budget.
  • Oversee procurement decisions related to fleet expansion, maintenance, software, and safety systems.
  • Track expenditures and forecast needs to support strategic growth of Pixis flight capabilities.
  • Field Operations (as needed)
  • Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Co-Pilot for select high-profile or complex shows to maintain firsthand operational awareness.
  • Represent Pixis as a technical authority during on-site operations, client interactions, and regulatory inspections.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing (required).
  • Proven experience flying and leading large-scale drone light shows (hundreds to 1,000+ drones).
  • Deep understanding of FAA regulations, airspace authorization, waivers, and drone show permitting.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing pilot teams and maintaining operational discipline.
  • Proficiency with RTK GNSS, ground control systems, geofencing, and drone show control software (UGCS, PixHawk, etc.).
  • Strong relationships with FAA or other aviation regulatory bodies (preferred).
  • Exceptional organizational and documentation skills.
  • Flexible schedule-willingness to travel (50-75%), including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Background in aviation, aerospace, military, or entertainment technology strongly preferred.

Preferred
  • Proven experience in drone light show operations of 100+ drones - ideally up to swarm sizes in hundreds or more
  • Field leadership experience, including directing team operations and safety briefings
  • Familiarity with show tech ecosystems (timecode sync, audio/visual integration, communication chains)
  • Background in military, robotics, entertainment technology, or aerial systems

HOW WE WORK
At Pixis Drones, precision meets creative spectacle. We engineer safety into every show-
from redundancy in hardware/software to procedural discipline and real-time decision
frameworks. Our creative edge is rooted in reliability and operational rigor. We welcome
people from diverse domains-aviation, robotics, events, media-and provide systems
training and mentorship to help you grow.
PHYSICAL & OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to lift or carry up to ~50 lbs intermittently; comfortable with walking, standing,
and field deployment tasks
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass background / MVR checks
• Calm under pressure and responsive in dynamic settings
NEXT STEPS:
To apply for this position please respond to this posting with your cover letter,
resume/portfolio, and salary requirements. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. It is
the policy of Pixis to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless
of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion,
creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic
information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or anyother characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, Pixis will provide
reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Next Steps:
To apply for this position please respond to this posting with your cover letter, resume and salary requirements. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

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