ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tex-Air Drone

Be Seen First

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsEntry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot Jobs

Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot information

What does an entry level Duke Energy drone pilot do?

An Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to assist with inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of Duke Energy’s infrastructure such as power lines, substations, and renewable energy sites. They are responsible for conducting safe and efficient drone flights, collecting aerial data, and supporting engineering and maintenance teams with visual information. This role may also involve maintaining drone equipment, following safety regulations, and assisting with data processing and reporting. Entry-level pilots work under the supervision of experienced pilots and may receive on-the-job training to develop their skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Duke Energy drone pilot?

To thrive as an Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot, you need a strong understanding of drone flight operations, basic electrical or utility knowledge, and a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight planning software, mapping tools, and data collection systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and accurate inspections, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with field teams at Duke Energy.

What is the difference between Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot vs Entry Level Duke Energy Lineman?

AspectEntry Level Duke Energy Drone PilotEntry Level Duke Energy Lineman
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateApprentice Lineman Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentAerial inspections, remote locations, office supportUtility poles, underground facilities, outdoor work
Industry UsageInspection, monitoring, data collectionInstallation, maintenance, repair of power lines

The Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot primarily focuses on aerial inspections and data collection using drones, requiring FAA certification. In contrast, the Entry Level Duke Energy Lineman involves physical work on power lines and infrastructure, requiring specialized safety and technical training. Both roles are essential in the energy industry but differ significantly in work environment and skill sets.

Are drone pilots paid well?

Entry level drone pilots, such as those working for companies like Duke Energy, typically earn wages that are competitive for technical roles, often ranging from minimum wage to higher hourly rates depending on experience and certifications. Salaries can increase with skills in operating advanced drones, understanding of safety protocols, and relevant licenses. Compensation varies by employer and location but generally reflects the specialized nature of drone piloting work in industries like energy, infrastructure, and surveying.

Is there a demand for entry level Duke Energy drone pilots?

There is a growing demand for entry-level drone pilots in utility companies like Duke Energy, especially for tasks such as infrastructure inspections and maintenance. These roles often require basic drone operation skills and relevant certifications, with opportunities increasing as companies adopt drone technology for safety and efficiency.
More about Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs are:

Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Duke Energy Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Tex-Air Drone

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM


Position Overview

This is a hybrid field-and-office role—not strictly a flying job.

As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist, you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need someone with strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, and meticulous attention to detail who takes pride in both precision flight and clean data management.


Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Flight Operations

  • Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA regulations and company SOPs.
  • Conduct preflight planning, airspace reviews, site risk assessments, and weather checks.
  • Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.
  • Capture high-quality data across multiple modalities: photogrammetry, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, and oblique imagery.
  • Assist with agricultural spraying operations (training/licensing provided).
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety checklists.


Data Processing & Quality Control

  • Download, organize, back up, and manage large datasets using standardized file structures.
  • Process imagery and spatial data into orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, digital twins, and thermal reports.
  • Perform rigorous quality control checks (coverage, overlap, visual clarity, positioning accuracy) before client delivery.
  • Upload project deliverables to cloud platforms and client portals.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to new mapping, GIS, and processing software.


What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Computer & Technical Skills: High proficiency with Windows systems, file management, cloud storage, and learning new software quickly.
  • Work Ethic & Mindset: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, safety-conscious, and able to work independently in the field.
  • Physical & Travel Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable working outdoors in varying Texas weather conditions; ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Screening: Must pass background, driving record, and drug screenings.

Preferred Experience & Certifications:

  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
  • Experience operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms.
  • Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD, surveying, precision ag, or remote sensing.
  • Experience with software like PIX4D, DJI Terra, ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, or ROCK Cloud.
  • Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience).

Schedule & Working Conditions

Field ops are driven by weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, late afternoons, or overnight trips. This is a fully in-person role based in Amarillo, TX.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Updated Resume
  2. Brief cover letter highlighting your experience with drones, computers, GIS/CAD, ag, or construction.
  3. List of current certifications/licenses.
  4. Your target compensation and start availability.

Tex-Air Drone LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

About Us
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Tex-Air Drone LLC delivers high-precision aerial and terrestrial data for agriculture, construction, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural spraying and multispectral imaging to thermal inspections, LiDAR, and 3D digital-twin development.
We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a long-term career in the fast-growing geospatial and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.