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Drone Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Infravision

Drone Maintenance Technician

Buda, TX · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Drone Maintenance Technician will partner closely with Drone Pilots, Engineers, and operations ... Test components, verify repairs, and support system checks before equipment is released for ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... You'll pilot and supervise uncrewed aerial systems during test flights, autonomy trials, and live ...

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Minden, NV · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ... Serve as pilot in command at range tests and customer demos across the US * Own batteries, radios ...

Air Pixels, Inc.

Drone Operator and Engineer

Minden, NV · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ... Serve as pilot in command at range tests and customer demos across the US * Own batteries, radios ...

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ... Serve as pilot in command at range tests and customer demos across the US * Own batteries, radios ...

Nokturnal AI

Be Seen First

UAS Pilot Engineer

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Experience flying an FPV drone. * Program and fly BetaFlight. * Wire management experience. * FAA Private Pilot Certificate or higher. * Experience conducting engineering flight tests. * Ability to ...

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Drone Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do drone test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone test pilot?

Drone Test Pilots are specialized professionals responsible for operating and evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during test flights. Their job involves assessing the performance, safety, and reliability of drones under various conditions to ensure they meet design specifications and regulatory standards. They often work closely with engineers and technicians to identify and troubleshoot issues, provide feedback, and assist in the development of new drone technologies. Drone Test Pilots may conduct flights manually or use automated systems, and are required to keep detailed records of each test for analysis and improvement.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a drone test pilot?

To thrive as a Drone Test Pilot, you need strong aviation knowledge, technical proficiency with UAV systems, and typically a relevant degree or specialized drone pilot certification. Familiarity with flight control software, telemetry systems, and regulatory compliance tools like FAA Part 107 certification is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient testing of drone systems in compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What challenges do drone test pilots face during flight testing?

Drone test pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected technical malfunctions, and the need to adhere strictly to evolving safety protocols. Addressing these issues involves thorough pre-flight planning, real-time monitoring of both the drone's systems and environmental factors, and close collaboration with engineering teams to promptly troubleshoot anomalies. Continuous training and adherence to detailed checklists help ensure safe and efficient test flights, while debriefings after each flight provide opportunities to identify improvements and share best practices within the team.

What is the difference between Drone Test Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Test PilotDrone Operator
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, specialized flight trainingFAA Part 107 certification, basic drone operation training
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, outdoor test sites, labsConstruction sites, filming locations, survey areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, research labs, defense contractorsMedia companies, real estate, agriculture

Drone Test Pilots focus on testing and validating drone performance, often working in controlled environments and requiring specialized training. Drone Operators handle day-to-day drone flights for various commercial purposes, with broader operational roles. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Test Pilots need additional testing experience and technical knowledge.

What cities are hiring for Drone Test Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Test Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Drone Test Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Test Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Test Pilot jobs?

For Drone Test Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Drone Maintenance Technician

Buda, TX • On-site

Infravision
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Infravisionexternal

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Service, inspect, maintain, and prepare drone systems for operational readiness.

  • Support troubleshooting across air systems, including drones, cameras, communications equipment, and related subsystems.

  • Track, inventory, and maintain drones, spare parts, tools, batteries, cameras, communications equipment, and related air systems assets.

Job description

Drone Maintenance Technician
[Austin, TX / Location] | Full-Time | Onsite | Up to 10% Travel
The Opportunity
Infravision is seeking a Drone Maintenance Technician to support the operational readiness, servicing, troubleshooting, and asset management of our drone systems and related air systems equipment. This role is critical to ensuring our drones, subsystems, cameras, communications equipment, and field-ready components are properly maintained, tested, documented, and prepared for safe deployment.
This is a hands-on technical role for someone who is mechanically inclined, comfortable working across electrical and mechanical systems, and energized by field technology, aviation, robotics, and startup environments. The Drone Maintenance Technician will partner closely with Drone Pilots, Engineers, and operations teams to support root cause analysis, component testing, cross-training, and continued development of Infravision's U.S. air systems capability.
About Infravision
Infravision is redefining how critical infrastructure is built, inspected, and maintained. We combine aviation, robotics, and field technology to help modernize the power grid safely, efficiently, and at scale.
Our technology is deployed in real-world field environments, helping utilities and infrastructure partners improve safety, reduce risk, and accelerate the delivery of critical energy infrastructure.
Find out more about Infravision and our work at:
https://www.infravisioninc.com/
Why Work For Infravision
At Infravision, you will be part of a forward-looking technology company at a pivotal stage of U.S. growth. Our work is hands-on, field-based, and mission-driven. We are building technology that is actively used to solve real infrastructure challenges.
You will work alongside aviation, engineering, operations, safety, field, and business teams to support customer projects and help shape how advanced infrastructure technology is deployed in the U.S. market.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly with drone systems, pilots, engineers, and field teams while helping build and strengthen the maintenance, readiness, and reliability practices that support Infravision's operational success.
What You'll Do
  • Service, inspect, maintain, and prepare drone systems for operational readiness.
  • Support troubleshooting across air systems, including drones, cameras, communications equipment, and related subsystems.
  • Lead or Assist with root cause analysis for air system issues, component failures, field performance concerns, and recurring technical problems.
  • Coordinate with Drone Pilots to ensure drones and related equipment are ready, properly configured, and available for field operations.
  • Work with aircraft communications systems (MESH, others) and related equipment to support air system performance and operational deployment.
  • Track, inventory, and maintain drones, spare parts, tools, batteries, cameras, communications equipment, and related air systems assets.
  • Support asset management processes, including equipment status, maintenance records, service history, and readiness documentation.
  • Test components, verify repairs, and support system checks before equipment is released for operational use.
  • Cross-train with technical team members to build deeper understanding of air systems, components, troubleshooting methods, and system performance.
  • Support pilot training readiness and cross-training opportunities where aligned with business needs, safety requirements, and certification expectations.
  • Maintain accurate documentation related to inspections, repairs, testing, equipment condition, and maintenance activity.
  • Support continuous improvement of maintenance processes, readiness checklists, inventory controls, and field support procedures.
  • Follow applicable safety, quality, operational, and documentation standards when working with drones, batteries, tools, and technical equipment.
  • Travel up to approximately 10% annually to support field operations, training, equipment readiness, or technical support needs. On site or remote troubleshooting may be required.

What We're Looking For
  • Mechanically inclined individual with strong hands-on troubleshooting skills.
  • Electrical, mechanical, aviation maintenance, engineering technology, or related technical background preferred.
  • Practical experience working with mechanical, electrical, robotic, drone, aviation, or field technology systems.
  • Prior experience as an aircraft mechanic, drone servicing technician, UAS/UAV technician, or air systems technician strongly preferred.
  • Working knowledge of drone systems, air systems, cameras, subsystems, components, or related technical equipment preferred.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, identify root causes, and support practical repair or corrective action.
  • Comfortable working with tools, components, technical documentation, inventory systems, and equipment readiness processes.
  • Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and commitment to operational readiness and safety.
  • Ability to coordinate effectively with Drone Pilots, Engineers, field operations, and cross-functional team members.
  • Willingness to cross-train, learn new technologies, and support pilot training pathways where applicable.
  • Ability to work in a growing startup environment where responsibilities may evolve as systems, processes, and operations scale.
  • Flexibility to support a broad range of responsibilities in a growing startup environment.

Diversity and Inclusion
Infravision is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where people are valued for their experience, perspective, and contribution. We believe different backgrounds, skills, and ways of thinking strengthen our teams and help us solve complex problems.
We encourage applications from candidates who meet the core requirements of the role and are excited to contribute to a growing, mission-driven technology company.
Infravision is a proud veteran employer, with up to 40% of our workforce being from former armed forces backgrounds.

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