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Government Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZenaTech serves over 100 enterprise software customers in law enforcement, government, and ... Job Overview ZenaTech is seeking a Drone Technician to join our growing Mesa, AZ operations team.

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 ...

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA ยท 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 ...

The FPV Drone Technician amp; Assembler is responsible for the assembly, configuration, programming ... As a Federal Government Contractor, T3i is required to strictly adhere to federally mandated drug ...

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA ยท On-site

$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 ...

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of ... Experience supporting formal government engineering reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR, and ...

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 ...

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA ยท 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 ...

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Government Drone information

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How much do government drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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 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.

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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Government Drone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% 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 Technician

Arizona City, AZ โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Us


ZenaTech (Nasdaq: ZENA | FSE: 49Q) is a technology company specializing in AI drones, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and quantum computing solutions for mission-critical business applications. Since 2017, the company has leveraged its software development expertise and expanded its drone design and manufacturing capabilities through ZenaDrone to innovate and enhance customer inspection, monitoring, safety, security, compliance, and surveying processes. ZenaTech serves over 100 enterprise software customers in law enforcement, government, and industrial sectors, with drones used in agriculture, defense, and logistics industries. The company has offices in North America, Europe, and the UAE.


Job Overview

ZenaTech is seeking a Drone Technician to join our growing Mesa, AZ operations team. This is an entry-level, hands-on role focused on the assembly, maintenance, inspection, and field support of drone hardware and systems. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and passionate about UAV technology.


Key Responsibilities

Hardware Assembly & Maintenance

  • Assemble and disassemble drone hardware components under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of drone systems.
  • Replace or repair faulty components including motors, propellers, ESCs, and frames.
  • Maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and equipment.
  • Document all maintenance activities, part replacements, and repair outcomes.

Flight Operations Support

  • Assist with pre-flight and post-flight hardware checks and safety inspections.
  • Support test flight operations by preparing, launching, and recovering drone systems.
  • Monitor drone performance during flights and report anomalies or issues.
  • Help set up and calibrate sensors, cameras, and payload equipment.

Quality Assurance & Documentation

  • Verify that all assembled or repaired drone systems meet quality standards before deployment.
  • Maintain accurate logs of flight hours, maintenance schedules, and equipment condition.
  • Assist with tracking and reporting defects or recurring hardware issues.
  • Support preparation of technical documentation, checklists, and standard operating procedures.

Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all FAA regulations, company safety policies, and site-specific safety requirements.
  • Participate in safety briefings and adhere to safe work practices at all times.
  • Identify and report potential hazards, near-misses, or safety concerns to supervisors.
  • Contribute to a culture of safety and accountability within the team.

Team Collaboration

  • Work closely with drone engineers, software teams, and field operators.
  • Communicate clearly and proactively on the status of assigned tasks and equipment.
  • Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support other operational needs as directed by supervisors.


Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or GED (Associate's degree or technical certification a plus).
  • Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, electronics, and hardware.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work in outdoor environments.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.


Preferred

  • Knowledge on FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Familiarity with basic electronics, soldering, or wiring.
  • Prior work in a manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or technical support role.
  • Experience with inventory management or equipment tracking systems.


"We are an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity utilizing hiring practices on merit and business needs. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and all others of legally protected status."