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Local Drone Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Estes Aerospace

Autonomy / Robotics Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

Bonus: experience with drone guidance or state estimation This role is for engineers who want to ... Background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and ...

Sine-Engineering

Recruiter

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Any drone, any scale, anywhere - resilient communication, navigation, and coordination built for ... local employment laws, including pay transparency regulations where required. Please note: This ...

New

Live Events

Account Executive

Orange, VA · On-site

We are the people and the pride behind world-class fireworks displays, breathtaking drone light ... Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to fireworks manufacturing ...

DroneShield

Senior IT & Security Engineer (USA)

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

DroneShield is a leading defense company specializing in counter drone technology, headquartered in ... S. office and support the company's broader security and compliance strategy. • Own local ...

Wipro Limited

SME L1

Bentonville, VA · On-site

$25K - $50K/mo

Drone Scan. The expected compensation for this role ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 . Final ... local laws. Applications from veterans and people with disabilities are explicitly welcome.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLocal Drone JobsLocal Drone Jobs in Virginia

Local Drone information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$72

$100

How much do local drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for local drone in Virginia is $72.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.25 and $90.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local drone?

Local drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operated within a specific geographical area, often for purposes like aerial photography, surveying, inspections, search and rescue, and delivery services. They are used by businesses, government agencies, and hobbyists to perform tasks that are difficult, dangerous, or time-consuming for humans. Local drone operators are typically responsible for piloting the drone, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and maintaining the equipment. The increasing accessibility and affordability of drones have expanded their use across various industries and communities.

What does a local drone operator do?

As a Local Drone Operator, you can expect to work on a variety of projects including aerial photography for real estate, infrastructure inspections, agricultural monitoring, and event coverage. Your daily tasks often involve planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight equipment checks, capturing high-quality footage or data, and processing or delivering results to clients. Collaboration with team members such as data analysts, project managers, or marketing professionals is common, depending on the project's scope. Adapting to different environments and adhering to local regulations are key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operator?

To thrive as a Drone Operator, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a remote pilot certification such as the FAA Part 107 license. Familiarity with drone flight control systems, mapping software, and camera equipment is essential for effective operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication help operators adapt to various environments and client needs. These skills ensure legal compliance, safety, and high-quality results in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection tasks.

What is the difference between Local Drone vs Local Photographer?

AspectLocal DroneLocal Photographer
Required CredentialsDrone pilot certification, FAA Part 107 licensePhotography experience, portfolio, possibly certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, aerial filming, on-location shootsIndoor/outdoor, studio or on-site photography
Industry UsageReal estate, construction, events, inspectionsEvents, portraits, commercial, artistic projects
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve visual content creation, Local Drone operators focus on aerial footage using drones and require specific certifications. Local Photographers typically work with traditional cameras and may not need drone licenses. The work environments and industry applications differ, but both are essential for visual media services.

How do I get a job flying drones?

To get a job flying drones, you should obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA or relevant authority, gain experience with drone operation and safety protocols, and develop skills in navigation, photography, or videography if applicable. Many employers also prefer candidates with technical knowledge of drone maintenance and relevant certifications or training programs.

What drone jobs are in demand?

In-demand drone jobs include aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, and media production, as well as inspection roles for infrastructure, agriculture, and construction. These positions often require knowledge of drone operation, relevant certifications, and the ability to interpret data collected by drones.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Drone jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Drone jobs in Virginia?

For Local Drone jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Drone jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Drone jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Local Drone jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Local Drone job openings:

Local Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Drone job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,580 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Deputy Engineering Leader - Tysons, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 452 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Deputy Engineering Leader to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, it systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
  • Leading complex technical discussions, projects, and/or programs.
  • Validating world class technical solutions on projects.
  • Ensuring engineering best practices are followed across multiple engineering and solution disciplines.
  • Managing technical risk on a project.
  • Providing oversight, direction, and technical expertise to engineering teams on a project.
  • Preparing client-specific physical security technology solutions including cutting edge credential technology, AI vision systems, drone and drone interdiction systems, access control, intrusion detection, video management systems, and complex integrations.
  • Driving the development and maintenance of project artifacts from the requirements capture stage through the launch of new technology.
  • Identifying, recommending, and implementing work process improvements.
  • Reviewing technical project details with project leadership.
  • Managing the integration of data from multiple systems and analyzing the data to draw insights on project technical solutions.

Qualifications
Education/Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ year's recent experience in the construction industry with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, 3+ year's recentexperience in the construction industry with a Master's Degree in Engineering.
  • Detailed, motivated, self-starter; must be able to work independently and lead in a team environment.
  • Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
    • Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000, Lenel OnGuard, Honeywell Prowatch, AMAG.
    • Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect, Genetec, Lenel Video management.
    • Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar, Southwest Microwave, SightLogix.
    • Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, HID, WIDS.
  • Familiarity with design/administration tools such as REVIT, Bluebeam, Autocad, ACC, Procore.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server, Windows 11 and general networking.
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
  • Familiarity with Cyber security requirements.
  • Familiarity with inside plant and outside plant telecom requirements.
  • Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
  • Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
  • Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Design: background in design and engineering of mission critical facilities. Skill in calculations for electrical construction
  • Build: interest in the manufacture of modular builds for electrical construction
  • Delivery: serving as onsite liaison, overseeing installation, testing, & commission of electrical construction
  • PE License: willingness to obtain Professional Engineer license highly preferred
  • Software: Revit MEP, Navisworks, Bluebeam, MS Office, ETAP/SKM, AGI32, etc. highly preferred

What we offer:
  • A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
  • An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
  • Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $104,240.00 - USD $143,330.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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