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Full Time Drone Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydio, Inc

Software Engineer - Security

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base ...

Sentradel

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $170K/yr

Unjammable fiber optic and AI controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder ... How we work Full time, in person at our San Francisco office. We also travel and test frequently at ...

SAIC

ZLC Remote Pilot Operator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Salt Lake ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ...

SAIC

BTR - Remote Pilot Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · Remote

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Baton ...

New

SAIC

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · Remote

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Charlotte ...

SAIC

D01 - Remote Pilot Operator

Denver, CO · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO ) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Denver ...

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ...

SAIC

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · Remote

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Memphis ...

Figure

Electrical Engineer, Actuator Systems

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

Design and validate PCBAs for actuator and motor control systems, including motor controllers, gate ... drone, or other motor-driven systems The US base salary range for this full-time position is ...

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Full Time Drone Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do full time drone controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time drone controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Drone Controller vs Part Time Drone Operator?

AspectFull Time Drone ControllerPart Time Drone Operator
CredentialsFAA drone certification, relevant licensesFAA drone certification, may be optional for limited hours
Work EnvironmentOffice, field, or remote settings, regular hoursFlexible hours, project-based or occasional
Employer & IndustryCompanies in media, agriculture, constructionFreelance, part-time roles in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentSeeking stable employment with benefitsLooking for flexible, short-term work

Full Time Drone Controllers typically work regular hours with stable employment, requiring certifications and often benefits. Part Time Drone Operators usually work on a flexible basis, may have similar certifications, but focus on short-term or project-based tasks. The choice depends on your desired work schedule and career stability.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart has been reported to pay drone pilots around $20 to $25 per hour for tasks such as inventory management and delivery testing. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the specific responsibilities involved in drone operations. Many companies also require certifications and familiarity with drone technology for these roles.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

The demand for drone operators, including full-time drone controllers, is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of drone technology, and job opportunities are increasing as drone use expands in commercial applications.

What is the 120m rule for drones?

The 120-meter rule for drone operators, including full-time drone controllers, requires maintaining a maximum altitude of 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level to ensure safe operation and compliance with regulations. This limit helps prevent conflicts with manned aircraft and is a standard part of many drone certification and safety protocols.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial cinematography, infrastructure inspection, or specialized surveying, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These positions can pay six-figure salaries, especially for those working in industrial sectors or with large companies, and may involve working in challenging environments or on complex projects.
More about Full Time Drone Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Controller jobs? The most popular types of Drone Controller jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Drone Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Drone Controller jobs are:
Full Time Drone Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Drone Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Software Engineer - Security

Software Engineer - Security

Skydio, Inc

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the Role:
As a Software Engineer on Skydio's Security team, you'll build the automation and internal tooling that keep our multi-tenant cloud and corporate environments secure and audit-ready. You'll write code that operates security controls, integrates identity and cloud systems, SCIM provisioning, vulnerability scanning, automated evidence collection and replaces manual, time-intensive processes with reliable engineering.
You'll start with high-impact automation work such as making security and compliance controls run, report, and self-remediate without manual effort and grow into broader security engineering across the team over time, from system design and architecture to hardening our production security capabilities.
If you're an engineer who wants to solve real security and automation problems end to end, this role gives you the room to build.
How You'll Make an Impact:
  • Design and build automation that operates and enforces security controls by integrating cloud, infrastructure, and identity systems so controls run, and where possible self-remediate, without manual intervention
  • Build tooling and integrations across cloud APIs, identity providers (e.g., SCIM provisioning), vulnerability scanners, and ticketing systems into a coherent, automated system
  • Automate how we collect, validate, and report compliance evidence continuously across our cloud and corporate environments
  • Build dashboards and pipelines that give real-time visibility into control status, gaps, and audit readiness
  • As part of Security and GRC, translate framework requirements into practical, testable, code-driven controls
  • Improve how we monitor, prioritize, patch, and respond to vulnerabilities across our cloud footprint
  • Over time, design and build internal security systems end to end (e.g., vulnerability risk management, web application firewalls), review RFCs, and partner with engineering teams on architecturally significant, security-relevant decisions
  • Participate in the security team's on-call rotation

What Makes You a Good Fit:
  • 3+ years of experience in a software, security, infrastructure, or platform engineering role
  • Strong coding ability, with experience building and maintaining tooling in languages such as Python or Go
  • Experience automating workflows and integrating systems via APIs
  • Working knowledge of cloud environments (ideally AWS), including how security and identity controls are implemented
  • Interest in engineering solutions to security and compliance problems rather than managing them manually
  • Comfort operating across both design and hands-on implementation, with an eagerness to grow into broader security engineering work over time
  • This position requires access to export-controlled technology, technical data, and/or controlled information, including information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and/or U.S. government contract requirements. Candidates must be eligible to access such information without additional U.S. government authorization, unless the company determines that any required authorization can be obtained.

Nice to Have:
  • Experience building or automating tooling for security platforms (SIEM, IAM/IdP, vulnerability management, EDR, and cloud security tools)
  • Experience with compliance automation or GRC tooling (e.g., evidence collection, continuous control monitoring)
  • Experience working in or automating for FedRAMP, SOC 2, ISO 27001, Texas RAMP, or CJIS-aligned environments
  • Experience with Kubernetes debugging, operations, or automation
  • Background supporting government, defense, or other highly regulated customers
  • Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $160,000 - 210,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company's policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location.
#LI-AS1
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

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