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Drone Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

Showing results 21-40

Drone Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$51.5K

$136.2K

$209.1K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in Reston, VA is $136,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $161,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot vs Drone Photographer?

AspectDrone PilotDrone Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 licenseFAA Part 107 license (often required)
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including construction, agriculture, filmPhotography and videography projects
Job FocusOperating drones for data collection or inspectionCapturing images and videos with drones
Employer UsageCommercial companies, government agenciesMedia companies, event organizers, real estate

While both Drone Pilots and Drone Photographers operate drones, Drone Pilots focus on flying and operating drones for various purposes like inspections or mapping, often requiring a license. Drone Photographers specialize in capturing high-quality images and videos, often for media or marketing, and may also need certification. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their primary objectives and end-use of drone operations.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for drone pilots is growing across industries such as photography, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and adhering to regulations, leading to increased job opportunities in this field.

Do drone pilots make money?

Drone pilots can earn income through various roles such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and filmmaking. Earnings depend on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, with many pilots working freelance or for companies on a contract basis. Salaries or project fees typically range from hourly rates to fixed project costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need solid knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and piloting skills, typically supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 in the U.S.) or equivalent. Familiarity with drone-specific software, GPS systems, and high-resolution cameras is essential for operating and maintaining UAVs effectively. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and legal operation of drones in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges drone pilots face when working in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict airspace regulations, and technical malfunctions. To address these, it's important to conduct thorough pre-flight planning, stay updated on local regulations, and carry backup equipment. Working closely with clients and team members to set clear expectations and maintain open communication also helps ensure smooth operations and successful project delivery.

How much do drone pilots earn?

Drone pilots 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 for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

What is a drone pilot?

Drone pilots are professionals trained to remotely operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, agriculture, and delivery services. Drone pilots must follow aviation regulations and often require certification, depending on their country and the nature of their work. Their role involves planning flight paths, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and analyzing data gathered by the drone. As drone technology expands, the demand for skilled drone pilots continues to grow across multiple industries.

How much do drone pilots get?

Drone pilots 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 $100,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

What do drone pilots do?

The primary responsibilities of a drone pilot are to control and maintain an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). You can find drone pilot positions with both the military and other governmental organizations, as well as private companies, such as agricultural operations, film and television production companies, surveyors and mapping specialists, and environmental scientists. As a pilot, you perform a variety of duties, such as flying reconnaissance and taking aerial photography and aerial videography. In the military context, drone pilots operate UAVs which bomb targets from across the world.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? For Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Drone Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,199 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

CAE, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


CAE rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Who We Are:
  • CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.
  • CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.
  • CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:
  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
  • Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Description
Provide KC-135 Aircraft Systems/operational procedures instruction in aircraft/ classroom/ simulator and/or practical environments. Assist as Subject Matter Expert in development of curriculum for new type courses as required. May provide additional special services such as courseware review and other additional administrative duties such as publications, safety, quality audits, FCIF, scheduling, and other duties as maybe assigned, etc.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments.
  • Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT).
  • Provides Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.
  • Assists as a Subject Matter Expert in the development of curriculum for new type courses as required.
  • Acts as a Lesson Subject Matter Expert to review existing lessons and/or changes to existing lessons.
  • Provides suggestions to improve and update training policies and procedures.
  • Promotes a positive attitude towards learning and embracing new technologies and tasks.
  • Conducts ground training for other crewmembers to include diagnosis and remediation of student issues.
  • Assists in project and development work as assigned.
  • Performs administrative duties such as scheduling, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, quality assurance, safety, security, and maintenance of training programs and equipment.
  • Must be physically able to enter simulator, experience simulator motion and take cognizance of attendees' safety when on board the simulator.
  • Must be able to stand up and conduct academic instruction in simulator and classrooms for up to six hours each day.
  • Must maintain proficiency in operation of essential KC-135 Aircrew Training Devices.
  • Aviation instruction is a highly specialized function that requires the instructor to have prior aircraft operating experience and the ability to hold creditability and the attention of the customer attendees.
  • Must acquire and maintain instrument, take-off, landing, and emergency procedure proficiency.
  • Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 Instructor Pilot or Evaluator Pilot.
  • Completion of a formal USAF Instructor training course.
  • Strong facilitation, and data analysis skills required

Security Responsibilities
Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.
Qualifications
Candidate must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to participate in periodic aircraft familiarization flights.
  • Must acquire and maintain proficiency in emergency procedures.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to work overtime as required.
  • Must be willing to work any shift or day of the week as required.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Language Skills
Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Will be required to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints. Must be able to generate effective oral and written presentations and proposals on complex subjects.
Mathematical Skills
Must be able to calculate figures and amounts, prices, commissions, and percentages, and to draw and interpret graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. An ability to interpret complex customer requirements and attitudes from verbal, non-verbal, and written communication is desirable.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Domestic and international travel as required.
  • Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladder into a simulator or airplane cockpit.
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top of or under machinery.
  • Must be able to detect odors or hear noises, bangs, etc., or other sounds to detect problems or flaws in the functioning of simulators and its surrounding environment.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work in a regular office environment; communicate via personal computer, telephone and fax.
  • Will be working in areas with risk of electrical shock and from moving mechanical parts driven by hydraulics under high pressure.
  • Will at times be exposed to the following conditions: extreme heat, airborne particles, and loud noises.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com
About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type
Regular
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.
Data Privacy
Privacy Statement | CAE
As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

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