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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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Drone Pilot In Command information

See Santa Rosa Beach, FL salary details

$44.8K

$118.5K

$182K

How much do drone pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is $118,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $140,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot in command?

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 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 cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:

Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Santa Rosa Beach, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,547 per year, or $57 per hour.

Mission Planning Software Test Engineer - Fighter Weapons - Senior

Astrion

Eglin Air Force Base, FL

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview

 

Mission Planning Test Engineer - Fighter Weapons - SME

LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret

TRAVEL: 25% CONUS/OCONUS TDYs

 

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a SME-Level Mission Planning Test Engineer to support the 45th Test Squadron and the United States Air Force at Eglin AFB, FL, under the Astrion Air Force Division.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • A SME is typically identified as a recognized Industry leader for a given area of expertise.
  • An active Secret security clearance is required for consideration, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of and extensive experience/training in Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps mission planning systems; this includes extensive general experience as a military fighter aircrew member accomplishing manual mission planning procedures and techniques.
  • Must have operational experience as a Pilot or Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) in one of the following aircraft: F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-35, or F-22.
  • Military fighter Mission Planning experience is required.
  • Must have operational experience as a military fighter aircraft mission commander or instructor for weapons and tactics; or be a graduate of one of the following military training programs:  USAF Weapons School or United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program (TOPGUN).
  • Must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team and to lead and direct the work of others.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing including communication skills in areas of technical writing, briefings, and formal presentations.
  • Must be able to travel to required meetings (such as Engineering Design Reviews, Formal Qualification Tests, and other enterprise/program meetings) CONUS and OCONUS.
  • Must be willing to work extended hours including weekends and holidays when required to meet mission requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS  

  • Technical Master’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of work experience - additional years of experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • bility to conduct mission planning using the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) is highly desirable.
  • Proficiency in the use and integration of Microsoft Office applications is highly desired.
  • Mission Planning software test experience is highly desired.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide mission planning domain expertise and frequently serve as the final authority on software test and deployment.
  • Provide mission planning domain expertise in questions/issues of critical importance to the customer.
  • Plan tests, establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and investigate/analyze unusual testing conditions, problems, or questions. Work facilitates software development, production, design, or procurement, and affects the efficiency or productivity of a test facility or test activity. Software evaluations may result in new operational testing techniques or involve assessments, which operational fighter experience is often the decision basis for large expenditures.
  • Plan, coordinate, and monitor test projects that frequently require significant modifications of standard practices or adaptation of instrumentation to obtain valid results. Plan, monitor and evaluate tests from an operational fighter perspective, and assess the feasibility and soundness of proposed evaluation methods. Make recommendations and commitments to program management leadership/personnel.
  • Demonstrate software experience in the Windows 10 environment.
  • Demonstrate operational fighter and fighter mission planning experience with functions provided by the software including operational use of JMPS or comparable systems.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the software or class of software being tested, to include experience with the existing software, previous versions, future versions or any associated software used in conjunction with the software being tested.
  • Maintain testing/test methodology experience, including testing of software/hardware, such as unit, integration, system, or acceptance testing, and familiarity with Air Force directives, processes and procedures.
  • Maintain experience in the operational testing of any research, development, or test and evaluation software associated with aircraft, weapons, or other computer systems.
  • Normally work 40 hours per week. Must be willing to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, when required, to meet mission requirements.

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