I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

San Antonio Spurs; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Acuren is seeking Drone Operators for remote UAS operations in Arlington, VA. This role requires a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, strong attention to detail, and professional communication skills. Responsibilities include conducting flight operations, monitoring systems, and maintaining compliance with regulations. The position transitions from remote work to in-office in Crystal City once the Remote Operations Center is operational. Offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical insurance and 401K.

Qualifications

• Must have a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to work rotating and non-traditional shifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct remote UAS flight operations according to regulations.
• Monitor telemetry and video feeds during operations.
• Log flight data accurately and perform pre-flight checks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Focus during live operations

Education

Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

C2 software platforms

Networked systems

Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is currently recruiting for Drone Operators for operations in Arlington, VA. Acuren is building a Remote Operations Center (ROC) to support drone operations across the United States. We are seeking an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot based in the Arlington, VA area to support remote UAS flight operations. During the initial phase, this role will operate remotely from a home‑based workspace. Once the Remote Operations Center is established, this position will transition to an in‑office role in Crystal City, VA. This role is designed for individuals seeking to gain structured, professional flight operations experience within a safety‑driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct remote UAS flight operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company procedures.
• Monitor live telemetry, video feeds, and mission data across multi‑screen systems.
• Perform structured pre‑flight checks and post‑flight documentation.
• Maintain situational awareness during all flight operations.
• Communicate clearly with operations personnel and field teams.
• Log flight data accurately and complete required reporting.
• Follow standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols at all times.
• Participate in training and operational readiness exercises.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures precisely.
  • Professional communication skills.
  • Ability to remain focused for extended periods during live operations.
  • Must reside within reasonable commuting distance of Arlington / Crystal City, VA.
  • Willingness to transition to in‑office work once the ROC is operational.
  • Ability to work rotating and non‑traditional shifts.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with remote or BVLOS UAS operations.
  • Familiarity with command‑and‑control (C2) software platforms.
  • Knowledge of aviation radio communication procedures.
  • Experience in industrial inspection, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
  • Military aviation, ISR, or operations center experience.
  • Technical aptitude with networked systems or mission‑control software.
• MUST BE COMFORTABLE WORKING 12‑HOUR SHIFTS, INCLUDING NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS.
• MUST BE ABLE TO PASS DRUG/ALCOHOL AND BACKGROUND SCREENS PER CLIENT REQUIREMENTS.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

Working Conditions

Work Schedule

This is an operations‑based role requiring shift coverage. Typical shift windows may include:

• 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Shift schedules may vary based on operational needs and may include:

• Three 12‑hour shifts per week (3x12)
• Rotating 8‑hour shifts (e.g., 8-8-8 rotation)
• Overnight shifts
• Weekends and holidays

Shift days and times are subject to change based on operational demand and staffing requirements.

Home Workspace Requirements (Initial Phase)

Candidates must maintain a professional, distraction‑controlled workspace suitable for aviation operations: a dedicated, quiet workspace that minimizes interruptions and background noise.

Desk space sufficient for two external monitors, one laptop, and standard operating peripherals.

Reliable high‑speed internet with minimum 50 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload (symmetrical preferred).

Wired Ethernet connection capability strongly preferred.

Ability to maintain a professional environment during scheduled shifts.

Work Environment

• Screen‑based, mission‑focused operational environment.
• Requires prolonged concentration and strict procedural compliance.
• Extended periods of sitting and active monitoring of flight systems.