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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Motorola

DFR Solutions Architect

Washington, DC · Remote

$71.25 - $94/hr

... CAPE drone command-and-control software. We specialize in assessing customer requirements ... Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Drone Pilot Certification. * Legal authorization to work in the U.S ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ... Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus * US citizenship & eligibility to obtain ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ... Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus * US citizenship & eligibility to obtain ...

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ... Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus * US citizenship & eligibility to obtain ...

BAE Systems

GXP Sales Account Executive

Reston, VA · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

... pilots to illuminating the night for soldiers. Spanning air, land, sea, and space, we are developing the technology of tomorrow, delivered today. In Command, Control, Communications, Computers ...

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All JobsDrone Pilot In Command JobsDrone Pilot In Command Jobs in Washington, DC

Drone Pilot In Command information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.1K

$148.3K

$227.7K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Washington, DC is $148,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $175,600.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Washington, DC are:

Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,275 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer, Mechanical

Auterion

Arlington, VA

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will work closely with Auterion's customers and partners to deploy and integrate our drone technology into their systems. This role focuses on the mechanical integration, design adaptation, and field deployment of UAV platforms and subsystems, while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.

You will combine hands-on mechanical engineering expertise with customer-facing project delivery, supporting clients through the full integration lifecycle—from initial system design and prototyping to testing and operational deployment. You will serve as a key technical interface between Auterion and customer engineering teams, ensuring reliable and scalable mechanical solutions that enable safe and effective drone operations.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Execute the mechanical integration of Auterion's hardware and UAV systems into customer platforms, including structural design, mounting solutions, payload integration, and environmental considerations.
  • Design, develop, and iterate mechanical components and assemblies using rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., CAD, 3D printing, machining), ensuring robustness, manufacturability, and performance in real-world conditions.
  • Support on-site deployments, testing, and validation of UAV systems, troubleshooting mechanical and electromechanical issues to ensure reliable operation in diverse environments.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers on mechanical engineering topics, providing guidance, resolving issues, and ensuring successful system integration and adoption.
  • Work closely with electrical, software, and product engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electronic, and control systems.
  • Develop and maintain clear documentation, including integration guides, mechanical drawings, assembly instructions, and best practices for customers and internal teams.
  • Support end-to-end implementation of Auterion's technology within customer applications, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and operational constraints.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in robotics, aerospace, UAVs, or similar hardware-focused industries.
  • Strong experience in mechanical design and prototyping, including CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication and assembly techniques (3D printing, machining, soldering, wiring, and integration of electromechanical systems).
  • Familiarity with integrating sensors, payloads, and embedded hardware into mechanical systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues in the field.
  • Experience working directly with customers or cross-functional stakeholders in a technical capacity.
  • Basic understanding of embedded systems, flight control hardware, or robotics platforms is a plus.
  • UAV/drone piloting experience and familiarity with flight control systems (e.g., PX4) is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel internationally and work in dynamic, field-based environments.
  • US Citizenship required, with eligibility to obtain clearances.

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Benefits

  • Flexible working hours
  • Stock Options
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
  • Medical flex spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan - 401k with company match
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.