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Weekend Drone Testing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zipline

Drone Mechanic

Cleveland, OH

... testing * Must be available to travel 80% during first month of employment to attend Zipline ... Must be able to support shift work including, but not limited to days/evenings, weekends * Must be ...

Performance Drone Works

sUAS Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Perform regression testing of hardware, software and configuration changes to confirm expected ...

Wing

sUAS Flight Operator (FTC), Durham

Charlotte, NC · On-site

You will be a line sUAS Flight Operator for Wing's Part 135 commercial drone delivery service in ... This position is subject to Wing's Drug and Alcohol testing policy in accordance with Wing ...

Amazon

Flight Monitor, Amazon - Prime Air

Nampa, ID · On-site

Ensure all drone flights comply with regulatory requirements and company safety policies ... This role requires the ability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays This ...

Amazon

Flight Monitor, Amazon - Prime Air

Nampa, ID · On-site

Ensure all drone flights comply with regulatory requirements and company safety policies ... This role requires the ability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays This ...

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Weekend Drone Testing information

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$39

$60

How much do weekend drone testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend drone testing in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $47.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend drone testing specialist?

To thrive as a Weekend Drone Testing Specialist, you need a solid understanding of drone technology, aerodynamics, and safety protocols, often supported by a relevant technical background or FAA Part 107 certification. Familiarity with flight planning software, data collection tools, and troubleshooting hardware or firmware issues is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate testing and reporting. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, reliable drone operations and delivering actionable insights during test programs.

What is the difference between Weekend Drone Testing vs Drone Pilot?

AspectWeekend Drone TestingDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, drone operation licensesFAA Part 107, drone operation licenses
Work EnvironmentTesting sites, labs, outdoor areasVarious locations, including outdoor and indoor settings
Employer & IndustryResearch firms, testing companies, manufacturersMedia, agriculture, real estate, inspection services

Weekend Drone Testing involves conducting drone tests, evaluations, and data collection primarily for research or product development, often in controlled environments. Drone Pilots operate drones for various commercial purposes, including filming, inspections, and surveys, often in diverse outdoor settings. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What types of challenges might I face during weekend drone testing, and how can I prepare for them?

Weekend drone testing often involves working outdoors and managing varying weather conditions, which can impact flight performance and safety protocols. Coordination with team members such as engineers, data analysts, and pilots is essential to ensure tests run smoothly and data is accurately collected. Being adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive in troubleshooting technical issues on the spot will help you succeed. Familiarity with drone regulations and strong communication skills are also important for reporting results and ensuring compliance.

What is weekend drone testing?

Weekend drone testing involves operating and evaluating drones during weekends to assess their performance, functionality, and safety. This job typically includes tasks like conducting flight tests, collecting data, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. It is often required by companies developing new drone technology or by organizations that need to test drones outside of regular business hours. Weekend testers help identify issues, gather feedback for improvements, and ensure drones are ready for commercial or research use.
More about Weekend Drone Testing jobs
What cities are hiring for Weekend Drone Testing jobs? Cities with the most Weekend Drone Testing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Testing jobs? The most popular types of Drone Testing jobs are:
What states have the most Weekend Drone Testing jobs? States with the most job openings for Weekend Drone Testing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Drone Testing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Drone Testing jobs are:
Weekend Drone Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Drone Testing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,981 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Drone Operator

Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Edgewater Federal Solutions is seeking experienced Drone Operators to support unmanned aerial systems operations for mission-focused security and protection events. The Drone Operator will deploy, operate, and support C-UAS platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, rapid response operations, and real-time video and data transmission in support of mission-critical operations.
This role requires hands-on C-UAS flight operations experience, strong situational awareness, and the ability to operate in fast-paced, high-visibility environments. Candidates must be able to coordinate with operational stakeholders, follow established procedures, maintain readiness, and ensure all flight activities comply with FAA regulations, applicable federal requirements, operational directives, and safety standards.
Work Location: Washington, DC with ability to travel nationwide in support of protection events; event-based onsite support required.
Work Arrangement: Onsite/event-based support with potential 24/7 operational coverage.
Clearance: U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain required federal suitability or security clearance as required for the assignment.
Responsibilities
  • Deploy, operate, and recover C-UAS platforms in support of protection events, including persistent ISR coverage and mobile rapid response missions.
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective C-UAS operations.
  • Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to command-and-control teams and other designated stakeholders.
  • Operate C-UAS payloads, including high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, communications relay equipment, and related ISR sensors.
  • Maintain readiness for rapid launch and support time-sensitive response requirements during protection events.
  • Coordinate with operations centers, security teams, IT personnel, and event stakeholders to support mission objectives.
  • Support integration of C-UAS data feeds with secure command-and-control infrastructure, including video distribution and operational communication systems.
  • Assist with interoperability testing, secure data transmission, bandwidth management, and troubleshooting of C-UAS communications or network connectivity issues.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, maintenance activities, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs.
  • Ensure all C-UAS equipment is maintained in operational condition and coordinate logistics, spare parts, and repair support as needed.
  • Participate in pre-event briefings and post-event debriefings with operational stakeholders.
  • Follow all applicable FAA regulations, federal requirements, operational directives, safety standards, and information handling procedures.

Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Ability to maintain aeronautical knowledge currency and keep required certification documentation accessible during C-UAS operations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, or federal mission environments.
  • Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
  • Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and C-UAS operating limitations.
  • Experience operating C-UAS sensors or payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications relay systems.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear updates in operational environments.
  • Ability to travel nationwide and support variable schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience supporting federal, law enforcement, military, protective services, emergency management, or national special security event operations.
  • Experience with larger ISR C-UAS platforms, mobile rapid response C-UAS platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
  • Experience with secure video distribution, TAK, VIDTERRA, tactical communications, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
  • Platform-specific C-UAS training, manufacturer certifications, military C-UAS operator training, or equivalent operational experience.
  • Active federal suitability or security clearance.

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Pre-Tax 401K and/or After-Tax Roth IRA (with employer matching contribution)
  • Tuition and Technical Training Reimbursement
  • Wellness Benefit
  • Tech Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, and standard office equipment
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer workThe employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
  • Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Exposure to general office conditions while conducting office duties
  • Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)
  • Ability to work in a confined area
  • Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period

Working at Edgewater Federal Solutions:
Edgewater Federal Solutions is a privately held government contracting firm located in Frederick, MD. The company was founded in 2002 with the vision of being highly recognized and admired for supporting customer missions through employee empowerment, exceptional services, and timely delivery. Edgewater Federal Solutions is ISO 9001, 20000-1, 270001 certified, appraised at CMMI Level 3 Maturity for Development and Services, and has been named in the Top Workplaces in the Greater Washington Area Small Companies since 2018.
Edgewater Federal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and continues to be our policy to provide equal employment to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status and/or other status protected by applicable law.

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