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Government Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T3i, Inc.

Drone/FPV Instructor

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site

T3i is seeking part-time instructors with a minimum of 1 year of FPV drone flight experience to ... As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug ...

Waller HROPS LLC

Be Seen First

Commercial Drone Customer Support

Palmetto, FL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Provide prompt, professional, and precise technical support to military, government, commercial, and light show drone customers across all Lumenier product lines. * Communicate effectively with ...

New

PhotoDrone.com®

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FAA-107 Drone Pilot with equipment

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote

$90/hr

What We Do PhotoDrone.com ® connects residential, commercial, and government clients with skilled FAA-certified drone pilots for a wide range of aerial imaging services, including: * Real estate ...

Veteran-friendly

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

The Role Mach Industries is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Field Drone Technician to support ... Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 ...

Aiken County Government

GeoServices Analyst

Aiken, SC · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

Aiken County Government Center, SC Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202300200 Department: IT ... It also may participate in scheduling, planning and execution of drone missions in support of ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner ... LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with ...

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All JobsGovernment Drone Jobs

Government Drone information

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$17

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How much do government drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for government drone in the United States is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government drone?

Government drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated by government agencies for a variety of purposes, such as surveillance, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, law enforcement, and military operations. These drones are equipped with cameras, sensors, and other technology to gather data or perform specific tasks without risking human life. The use of government drones has increased due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ability to access hard-to-reach areas. Regulations and privacy concerns often play a role in how government drones are deployed and monitored. Overall, government drones help agencies improve public safety, security, and resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by government drone operators in their daily work?

Government drone operators often face challenges related to rapidly changing technology, strict regulatory compliance, and working in diverse environments. They must stay up to date with new drone systems and software, ensure all flight operations adhere to federal and local guidelines, and sometimes operate in difficult weather or terrain. Effective communication with team members, such as data analysts and mission planners, is also critical for successful operations. These aspects require adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and security protocols.

How do I get a job flying government drones?

To become a government drone pilot, you typically need a background in aviation, engineering, or related fields, along with experience operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Certification such as the FAA Part 107 remote pilot license is often required, and security clearances may be necessary for certain government roles. Relevant skills include knowledge of drone operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Government Drone vs Government Security Officer?

AspectGovernment DroneGovernment Security Officer
Required CredentialsFAA drone certification, technical trainingSecurity guard license, background check
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial operations, technology-focusedIndoor/outdoor, physical presence, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law enforcement, surveillanceGovernment buildings, public events, security

While both roles serve government agencies, a Government Drone operates unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, data collection, or reconnaissance, requiring technical certifications. In contrast, a Government Security Officer provides physical security and access control, focusing on safety and surveillance on the ground. Both roles are essential for public safety but differ significantly in skills, environment, and responsibilities.

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

To excel as a government drone operator, you need a solid understanding of UAV operation, remote piloting skills, and compliance with aviation regulations, often supported by a relevant license such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone control software, GIS mapping tools, and data analysis systems is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and successful missions. These skills are essential for maintaining operational safety, meeting regulatory standards, and achieving mission objectives in government surveillance, mapping, or emergency response roles.
More about Government Drone jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Drone jobs? Cities with the most Government Drone job openings:
What states have the most Government Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Drone jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Drone jobs are:
Government Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Drone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,166 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Drone/FPV Instructor

T3i, Inc.

Fort Walton Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

T3i is seeking part-time instructors with a minimum of 1 year of FPV drone flight experience to teach and mentor students in this high-tempo, tactical FPV program. Instructors will conduct classroom instruction, field training, flight demonstrations, and performance evaluations. They must be proficient in quadcopter and FPV flight, tactical employment of munitions, and mission-level operational integration. Instructors should be comfortable teaching in all weather conditions, from extreme heat and humidity to near-freezing temperatures.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Instruct foundational and advanced FPV drone skills in classroom and field settings
  • Lead tactical flight operations, including offensive/defensive mission scenarios
  • Maintain safe operations with multiple drones in dynamic environments
  • Foster creative and adaptive thinking in students for tactical drone applications
  • Evaluate trainee performance and provide constructive feedback.
  • Support curriculum development and program refinement.

Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 1 year of FPV drone flight experience
  • Obtain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License (must maintain)
  • Complete the T3i TDOC instructor skills assessment
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Proficient in computers, email, mobile messaging, and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Physically capable of extended outdoor operations in varying weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications:
  • FPV drone design, testing, and build experience
  • Military SUAS or Special Operations experience
  • Instructor experience, including course development and administration

Required Background Check:
National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI)
T3i Drug Free Workplace Statement: As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug-free workplace standards. To ensure compliance with this requirement, T3i conducts pre-employment drug screening for all new hire personnel (full time, part time, and independent contractor) and annual random drug screening for all current T3i personnel. All drug screening includes testing for the following drugs, at a minimum: Marijuana (CBD, hemp oil, and other cannabidiol use may result in a positive result), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, 6-monoacetylmorphine, and PCP. Personnel who cannot pass drug screening are not eligible for employment with T3i.
T3i logo

About T3i

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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