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Utility Inspection Drone Pilot Jobs in Austin, TX

... inspection solutions. Take a look at our latest achievements here! About the Role: The LiDAR Pilot ... Utility, and Solar verticals at Zeitview, Inc. The primary function of this position is to capture ...

... inspection solutions. Take a look at our latest achievements here! About the Role: The LiDAR Pilot ... Utility, and Solar verticals at Zeitview, Inc. The primary function of this position is to capture ...

... inspection solutions. Take a look at our latest achievements here! About the Role: The LiDAR Pilot ... Utility, and Solar verticals at Zeitview, Inc. The primary function of this position is to capture ...

Quality Technician III

Round Rock, TX ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

The Quality Technician III supports quality assurance and commissioning activities on utility-scale ... UAV (drone) inspection experience is a plus BENEFITS RRC is committed to investing in talented ...

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... system pilots) to expand the platform's scope and utility. * Cross-functional & national ...

Quality Technician III

Round Rock, TX ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

The Quality Technician III supports quality assurance and commissioning activities on utility-scale ... UAV (drone) inspection experience is a plus BENEFITS RRC is committed to investing in talented ...

Senior Rope & Line Systems Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$107.50K - $146.20K/yr

We welcome candidates from utility construction, offshore marine, industrial rigging, aerospace ... Develop operational procedures, inspection standards, maintenance criteria, and safety protocols.

Senior Rope & Line Systems Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$103.60K - $142.20K/yr

We welcome candidates from utility construction, offshore marine, industrial rigging, aerospace ... Develop operational procedures, inspection standards, maintenance criteria, and safety protocols.

Senior Rope & Line Systems Engineer

Austin, TX

$103.60K - $142.20K/yr

We welcome candidates from utility construction, offshore marine, industrial rigging, aerospace ... Develop operational procedures, inspection standards, maintenance criteria, and safety protocols.

Utility Inspection Drone Pilot information

See Austin, TX salary details

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$22

$32

How much do utility inspection drone pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility inspection drone pilot in Austin, TX is $22.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Inspection Drone Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Inspection Drone Pilot, you need strong knowledge of drone operations, FAA Part 107 certification, and an understanding of utility infrastructure. Familiarity with UAV flight planning software, high-resolution cameras, GIS systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate inspections and safety compliance. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting reliable inspections, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting infrastructure safety.

What are some common challenges Utility Inspection Drone Pilots face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility Inspection Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, navigating complex or obstructed environments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. To address these, pilots should stay up to date with weather forecasts, conduct thorough pre-flight site assessments, and maintain strong communication with ground teams. Additionally, keeping current with FAA regulations and utility company protocols helps ensure safe and efficient inspections. Proactive planning and continuous skills development are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are Utility Inspection Drone Pilots?

Utility Inspection Drone Pilots are professionals who operate drones to inspect infrastructure such as power lines, pipelines, and communication towers. They use drones equipped with cameras and sensors to capture high-resolution images and data, which help identify maintenance issues or potential hazards. This role requires specialized training in drone operation, knowledge of aviation regulations, and often an FAA Part 107 certification. The work improves safety, efficiency, and accuracy compared to traditional manual inspections.

What is the difference between Utility Inspection Drone Pilot vs Utility Line Worker?

AspectUtility Inspection Drone PilotUtility Line Worker
CertificationsFAA drone pilot license, safety trainingApprenticeship, OSHA safety certifications
Work EnvironmentAirborne inspections, remote locationsGround-based, utility poles, and lines
Industry UsageInspection, surveying, maintenanceInstallation, repair, maintenance of power lines

While both roles serve the utility industry, the Utility Inspection Drone Pilot specializes in aerial inspections using drones, requiring FAA certification and safety training. In contrast, the Utility Line Worker performs hands-on work on power lines and infrastructure, often requiring apprenticeships and OSHA certifications. The drone pilot focuses on remote, airborne tasks, whereas the line worker is physically present on-site for repairs and installations.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs in Austin, TX? For Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Utility Inspection Drone Pilot jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Utility Inspection Drone Pilot job openings:

LIDAR Pilot (Drone)

Zeitview

Austin, TX โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Zeitview is the leading intelligent aerial imaging company for high-value infrastructure, providing businesses with actionable, real-time insights to recover revenue, reduce risk and improve build quality. We serve customers in the solar, wind, insurance, construction, real estate, and critical infrastructure industries. Trusted by the largest enterprises in the world, Zeitview is active in over 70 countries. Our mission is to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure through advanced inspection solutions. Take a look at our latest achievements here!

About the Role:

The LiDAR Pilot holds a current FAA Part 107 certificate, and is responsible for the safe operations of drones while capturing inspection imagery and LIDAR data from Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) and ground-based sensors for the Geospatial, Wind, Telecom, Utility, and Solar verticals at Zeitview, Inc. The primary function of this position is to capture accurate, actionable data that can be readily analyzed by our in-house software and analyst teams in support of customer requirements. Aspects include remote pilot operations, executing flight operations to established performance standards, safety and regulatory compliance, following company flight operations policies, technology development/testing, and logistical support. The LiDAR Pilot must be an accomplished, professional remote pilot with extensive experience and expertise in at least one of Zeitview’s listed vertical markets (Wind, Telecom, Geospatial, Utility, and Solar), with a willingness to learn. 

Responsibilities:

  •  Operate drones to collect high-quality remote sensing data for a variety of industries
  •  Collect Geospatial data using LIDAR and GNSS survey equipmen
  •  Work cross-functionally and across verticals to oversee and ensure remote pilot regulatory compliance
  •  Follow Zeitview’s standardized workflows and defined safety practices
  •  Maintain an unwavering commitment to professionalism while representing Zeitview in the field
  •  Troubleshoot technical issues in the field to ensure uninterrupted data collection.

Qualifications:

  • Documented, demonstrable experience conducting successful remote sensing operations in at least one of our vertical markets (Geospatial, Wind, Telecom, Utility, and Solar), and willingness to develop expertise in the others. Preference given for experience in Geospatial with LiDAR
  • Proficiency in operating DJI sUAS systems
  • Knowledge of photogrammetry and LiDAR workflows
  • Proficiently use GNSS survey equipment to ensure precise data collection
  • Understand and implement ground control point concepts to enhance data accuracy.
  • Industry recognized Certifications and/or training is required (e.g., FAA Part 107)
  • Ability to adapt to different working environments is essential
  • Experience with implementing and managing against client Scope of Work (SOW) objectives
  • Ability to collaborate with multiple teams and individuals and come to a consensus
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to support more than 90% travel domestically with the potential for international travel
  • Be able to easily lift 70 lbs
  • Be able to sit and stand for long periods of time while working in austere environments

Additional Information: This position may require long hours in the field and occasional weekend work. International travel may be required for specific projects. Safety is our top priority, and adherence to safety protocols is mandatory.

Benefits:

  • Work with the leading intelligent aerial imaging company with established, successful relationships across myriad industries
  • Medical insurance covered up to 100% depending the plan chosen
  • Dental & vision insurance
  • Flexible time off
  • Stock incentive program
  • Work from home environment
  • Autonomy and upward mobility
  • Diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, where your voice matters
Employment Type: FULL_TIME