Drone Operator - Contract

Buoyant; Somerville (MA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking remote Drone Operators to manage mission planning and flights for inspections. Candidates must possess an FAA Part 107 certificate, have experience operating DJI drones, and show attention to detail. The role requires effective communication and organization skills, with flexible shifts available. Ideal for individuals passionate about drone operations in a remote work environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of safe flight operations.
• Able to communicate clearly via email and team messaging tools.
• Available for shifts of four to ten hours at least three days a week.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and execute drone missions.
• Maintain and update mission calendar.
• Conduct regular safety and preflight checks.

Skills

Safe operation of unmanned systems

Attention to detail

Communication

Scheduling

Organizational skills

Education

FAA Part 107 certificate

Tools

DJI enterprise sUAS systems

Slack

Job description

Raptor Maps is hiring Drone Operators who will sit at the core of our turnkey data collection on a daily basis. You will manage mission planning and drone flights for a portfolio of inspections, ensuring accuracy and quality that meet our exacting standards. This is a task based role that requires attention to detail and proper tracking of work completed in our systems.

Part 107 pilots will plan, schedule, and execute missions on a daily basis following established protocols and working closely with our internal team of data collection specialists. This is a remote contract role with core hours between 8:30am and 8:30pm Eastern Time. Shifts outside of these hours may be available as pilots gain experience.

Prior titles held may include Flight Coordinator, Drone Pilot, or UAS Operator.

Drone equipment will be provided by Raptor Maps for this work.

Preferred start date: July 14, 2025

Responsibilities

• Schedule: Maintain and update mission calendar
• Plan: Create, organize, and store high volume of mission plans
• Create: Conduct regular safety and preflight checks following established protocols
• Fly: Deploy unmanned systems to capture data utilizing automated missions; monitor and maintain safe operations utilizing all available systems and engage in manual flight control as necessary
• Report: Verify and document work completed and any deviations from expected operations
• Work with team to ensure continuous improvement, document process changes, and define exceptions that will drive the team’s success
• Escalate matters appropriately utilizing SOPs, proper channels, and critical thinking

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 certificate with:
• Proven track record of safe flight operations
• Proficiency in operating DJI enterprise sUAS systems (M300, M30T, or M3T preferred)
• Laser focus on safe operation of unmanned systems with uninterrupted monitoring of all flight time
• Attention to detail in scheduling, file management, and documentation of work
• Organize and document work in a standardized fashion to ensure clarity and usability
• Communicate clearly and effectively across email, phone, team messaging tools, and meetings
• Able to learn and navigate new computer systems
• Available for shifts of four to ten hours at least three days per week
• Must be physically located in the contiguous US
• Must be authorized to work in the US

Preferred Qualifications

• 75+ flight hours on DJI enterprise equipment with thermal sensors
• Utility scale solar inspection experience
• Experience applying for and receiving LAANC authorizations, COAs, and Waivers
• Familiarity with Slack for team communication

Required Environment, Equipment + Connectivity

• Dedicated workspace free from distractions
• Computer with 16+GB RAM and:
• MacOS 14.x or later or Windows 11 Pro
• Chrome browser
• Two or more 22”+ monitors in a dedicated workspace free of distractions and interruptions
• Audio in/out capability
• Hardline internet service (cable or fiber) with at least 50 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up
• Reliable phone service for emergency communications