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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Sebastian, FL (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

$201K - $302K/yr

Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) * Must have previous experience as a test pilot in a developmental test program * Must have ...

Northrop Grumman

Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL

Lead post-flight debriefs to collect relevant test data and ensure lessons learned are captured for future testing Execute missions as pilot in command during flight test missions Coordinate group ...

Northrop Grumman

Staff Pilot Test

Melbourne, FL · On-site

Lead post-flight debriefs to collect relevant test data and ensure lessons learned are captured for future testing Execute missions as pilot in command during flight test missions Coordinate group ...

Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

Must have the ability to obtain and hold an FAA Second Class medical certificate Must have a minimum of 1,250 hours tactical aircraft pilot time with 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) Must have ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Melbourne, FL

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

U.S. Navy

Aviation Officer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Melbourne, FL

... pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the ... As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful operation ...

U.S. Navy

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Melbourne, FL · On-site

... pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the ... As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful operation ...

All JobsDrone Pilot In Command JobsDrone Pilot In Command Jobs in Sebastian, FL

Drone Pilot In Command information

See Sebastian, FL salary details

$41.3K

$109.1K

$167.6K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Sebastian, FL is $109,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $129,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Sebastian, FL?

For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Sebastian, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Sebastian, FL are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Sebastian, 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 Sebastian, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,130 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Vero Beach, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Piper Aircraft rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sr. Engineer - Flight Test Pilot is the mature mind behind safely and efficiently executing flight test projects at Piper Aircraft.  The role is a multi-faceted position that requires and advanced depth and a breadth of engineering knowledge across a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines in addition to exceptional pilot skill.  This acumen will be combined with a high level grasp of customer aircraft operations and an administrative expertise to provide high quality flight test data for the purposes of product development and certification. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:        

·        Act as pilot-in-command for Piper experimental test operations aircraft during the conduct of flight test activities related to the development and certification of Piper products

·        Coordinate project specific flight and ground crew logistics including pre-flight briefings, post-flight briefings, duty day restrictions, travel, transportation, and, especially, test hazard mitigation requirements

·         Create, revise, review, and approve technical and compliance documents subject to the Piper ODA

·         Participate in the Piper safety management system, including serving as the Flight Test Safety Officer

·         Liaise with other departments as the Experimental Flight Test subject matter expert

·         Complete required initial and recurrent safety training

·         Other tasks as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities.  The employee may be required to be a technical lead for other test pilots or flight test engineers and to train and assist other employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

·         Significant previous flight test experience (Test Pilot or Flight Test Engineer)

·         Commercial Pilot’s License with Multi-engine and Instrument ratings

·         Familiarity with 14CFR Part 23 regulations and associated guidance material

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         Test Pilot School Graduate

·         Graduate degree in engineering or related field

·         Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

·         2000 Hours Pilot-in-Command

·         Consulting DER Appointment (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

·         Experience as an ODA Unit Member (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst)

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers.  Being able to produce high quality formal and informal flight test reports is of utmost importance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

·         While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to an office environment. 

·       The employee is occasionally exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, and odors consistent with the operation of aircraft.

·       Although mitigated to the greatest extent possible by the flight test safety process, the employee will be exposed to the risks associated with ground and flight testing experimental aircraft. 

·       Travel and overtime are occasionally necessary.

·       Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SAFETY AND POLICY PRACTICES:

In addition to adherence to all general Piper Aircraft company safety requirements, engineering flight test operations are subject to governance by the Flight Operations Policy and Procedures Manual.  The employee will be expected to know and abide by those policies and procedures.  Specifically, that will include the following training:

·       Emergency Egress

·       Hypoxia Awareness

·       Parachute

·       Oxygen System

·       Water Egress and Survival

What Piper Aircraft employees say

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