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Virtual Drone Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VDC Engineer - MWH

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

... management, virtual construction workflows, and construction technology deployments. Provide ... Experience with reality capture tools and practices (laser scanning, drone data capture, and/or ...

... management, virtual construction workflows, and construction technology deployments. Provide ... Experience with reality capture tools and practices (laser scanning, drone data capture, and/or ...

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Experience with virtual machines and containerized solutions, i.e. EXXi, Proxmox, Docker, etc.

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Experience with virtual machines and containerized solutions, i.e. EXXi, Proxmox, Docker, etc.

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Virtual Drone Engineer information

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$10

$59

$87

How much do virtual drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual drone engineer in the United States is $59.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Virtual Drone Engineer vs Drone Pilot?

AspectVirtual Drone EngineerDrone Pilot
CredentialsCertifications in drone software, programming, and remote operationFAA Part 107 certification or equivalent
Work EnvironmentRemote, office-based or from home, focusing on software and system designOn-site or remote flying drones in various outdoor or indoor locations
Industry UsageTechnology, software development, and remote drone system managementAerial photography, surveying, inspection, and delivery services

The Virtual Drone Engineer primarily focuses on designing, developing, and managing drone software systems remotely, often working in tech environments. In contrast, a Drone Pilot operates drones directly in the field, performing flights for various applications. Both roles require specific certifications and industry knowledge but differ mainly in their work setting and daily tasks.

More about Virtual Drone Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Virtual Drone Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Virtual Drone Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drone Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Virtual Drone Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Virtual Drone Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Virtual Drone Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,889 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Real Estate Media Technician (Photo / Drone / 3D)

Real Estate Media Technician (Photo / Drone / 3D)

METROPLEX 360 RCS LLC

Wellington, FL • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule

Are you looking for a fast-paced, exciting, and flexible income opportunity? You're in luck! Metroplex360 Reality Capture Services—the leading 3D Virtual Tour team in Texas—is actively seeking skilled and detail-oriented 3D Matterport Capture Technicians/Photographers/Drone Pilots to join our dynamic team of field professionals. This independent contractor role allows you to create your own schedule, work independently, and collaborate with a supportive and experienced real estate media team. It's a fantastic opportunity for creative, technically-savvy individuals who are passionate about visual storytelling and producing high-quality real estate content.
About Us:
Metroplex360 Reality Capture Services is Texas’s leading 3D virtual tour provider, proudly serving a wide range of clients since 2006. We are currently proud to serve our clients nationwide. Our team is built on values like teamwork, open communication, continuous improvement, and a balance of professionalism and personality. We specialize in delivering high-quality visual content with fast turnaround times and dependable support—all at sustainable, competitive rates. Our trusted client base spans across industries including Multi-Family & Senior Living, New Home Builders & Developers, Retail, Hospitality & Restaurants, Commercial & Residential Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC), and Insurance, Recovery & Surveying. We are currently seeking skilled photographers to partner with us in capturing exceptional content for both residential and commercial projects.
Why Join Metroplex360’s network of capture technicians?
As a Capture Technician with Metroplex360 (1099 contractor role), you can focus on capturing exceptional photos and immersive 3D content, while we handle the rest. From marketing, sales, and scheduling to client communication and editing, we take care of the business side so you can spend more time doing what you’re passionate about. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative, technically-savvy professional who’s enthusiastic about visual storytelling and real estate media.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
To thrive in this role, you’ll need to meet all equipment requirements (listed below) and bring a strong commitment to customer service and professionalism. You must have a reliable internet connection, a current and legal driver’s license, and dependable transportation to travel to and from job sites across your region.
As a Metroplex360 Capture Technician, you’ll conduct on-site 3D scans, HDR photography/video, and drone photography/video using Matterport,DSLR, and drone equipment, ensuring a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and spatial awareness in all visual assets. You’ll represent Metroplex360 with professionalism and courtesy, communicate clearly with our scheduling and post-production teams, and manage your schedule independently while meeting deadlines and maintaining our quality standards.
If you're excited to join one of the most experienced and respected networks of real estate media professionals—we want to hear from you!

Required Equipment:

To ensure high-quality results and compatibility with our production standards, all photographers must have the following gear:
  1. Full-Frame DSLR or Mirrorless Camera capable of bracketing 5+ exposures in AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) mode
  2. Wide-Angle Zoom Lens (14–16mm preferred) — Prime lenses are not compatible
  3. Sturdy Tripod to maintain stability and precision
  4. Ball Head tripod mount for flexible and secure camera positioning
  5. Matterport Pro2 or Pro3 Camera for 3D virtual tour captures
  6. Drone - Part 107 FAA licence
Compensation:
We offer competitive, project-based compensation based on the type and scope of each assignment. For Matterport captures, pay is calculated per square foot, while photography and other services are compensated per job. While actual payouts vary by project, our goal is for technicians to consistently earn the equivalent of $70–$100 per hour based on efficiency and deliverables. Most individual jobs range $70+, with opportunities to earn more depending on complexity, location, and turnaround time. Full compensation details are shared during onboarding.
Requirements:
Ideal candidates will have a background in photography, surveying, or a related field, and should be comfortable working on their feet for extended periods. Reliable transportation is a must, as you'll be traveling to various job sites.
To qualify, you must demonstrate competency in real estate photography by completing a remote certification course and submitting a test photoshoot. Upon onboarding, you'll also be required to submit a W-9 form with a valid EIN and provide a current Certificate of Insurance.
Join hundreds of satisfied photographers nationwide who are earning more while doing what they love with Metroplex360. If you're passionate about capturing spaces and creating high-quality visual content, we’d love to hear from you!