Contract Commercial UAV Pilot

CompassData, Inc; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Part time

Job summary

CompassData, Inc. is seeking an experienced Commercial UAV Pilot to support field operations on projects across the United States. This hands-on role involves mapping, inspection, imagery, LiDAR, and data collection using Mavic Series and enterprise UAV platforms.

The position is contract/project-based with high travel; candidates must hold FAA Part 107, 50+ flight hours, and be willing to rotate on site. Residence in Las Vegas is not required, with proximity to a major airport being a plus.

Qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 50+ documented commercial UAV flight hours.
• Commercial experience with DJI Mavic Series UAVs.
• Strong understanding of airspace, weather, flight planning, and FAA Part 107 operations.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and work extended field rotations.
• Able to work independently and make good decisions in the field.
• OSHA 30 (strongly preferred).
• UAV LiDAR or photogrammetry/mapping experience (preferred).
• RTK/PPK experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Fly commercial UAV missions for mapping, inspection, imagery, LiDAR, and other data collection.
• Operate DJI Mavic Series aircraft and other enterprise/heavy‑lift UAV platforms.
• Complete daily flight planning, airspace checks, weather assessments, and equipment inspections.
• Work around utilities, transmission corridors, construction sites, and remote terrain.
• Coordinate with field crews and project managers to safely complete daily production goals.
• Maintain flight logs and required field documentation.
• Troubleshoot basic aircraft, controller, GNSS, and field equipment issues.
• Take care of company equipment and keep aircraft mission‑ready.
• Follow FAA regulations, project requirements, and site-specific safety procedures.

Skills

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot

50+ documented flight hours

DJI Mavic Series UAVs

Airspace, weather, flight planning

Valid driver's license

Willingness to travel

Independent decision making

OSHA 30

LiDAR / photogrammetry experience

RTK/PPK experience

Tools

DJI Mavic Series

Enterprise/heavy-lift UAV platforms

RTK/PPK equipment

Job description

Pay: $325–$400/day DOE + per diem

Position: Contract / Project-Based

Travel: High travel / field-based.

We are looking for an experienced Commercial UAV Pilot to support field operations on projects throughout the U.S. This is a hands‑on flying position with significant time in the field.

We need pilots who are comfortable working independently, traveling for extended rotations, operating in remote locations, and safely completing commercial UAV missions in changing field conditions.

What You'll Be Doing

• Fly commercial UAV missions for mapping, inspection, imagery, LiDAR, and other data collection.
• Operate DJI Mavic Series aircraft and other enterprise/heavy‑lift UAV platforms.
• Complete daily flight planning, airspace checks, weather assessments, and equipment inspections.
• Work around utilities, transmission corridors, construction sites, and remote terrain.
• Coordinate with field crews and project managers to safely complete daily production goals.
• Maintain flight logs and required field documentation.
• Troubleshoot basic aircraft, controller, GNSS, and field equipment issues.
• Take care of company equipment and keep aircraft mission‑ready.
• Follow FAA regulations, project requirements, and site-specific safety procedures.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• 50+ documented commercial UAV flight hours
• Commercial experience with DJI Mavic Series UAVs
• Strong understanding of airspace, weather, flight planning, and FAA Part 107 operations
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to travel and work extended field rotations
• Able to work independently and make good decisions in the field

Strongly Preferred:

• 100+ documented commercial UAV flight hours
• OSHA 30
• Experience with enterprise/heavy‑lift UAV platforms
• Utility or transmission‑line inspection experience
• UAV LiDAR or photogrammetry/mapping experience
• RTK/PPK experience
• Experience operating in remote or challenging terrain
• Experience working around active utility, construction, or infrastructure projects

Pay & Travel

$325–$400 per day depending on experience, plus per diem.

Travel and field rotations will vary depending on the project. This position is best suited for pilots who are comfortable spending significant time on the road and want consistent commercial field experience. Residence in Las Vegas is not required, and convenient access to a major airport is beneficial to the position.