Job Title: Drone Operator

Job Description

The qualified candidate will act as an operations specialist assisting in the development and test of cutting-edge safety-related technologies. The role includes mission planning and lightweight maintenance duties. The candidate should demonstrate attention to detail, a safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology. This individual will also conduct limited operation readiness activities and logistics planning as needed. The candidate will join a Research and Development team working on inventing and developing new transformative experiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and testing of safety-related technologies.
• Conduct mission planning and perform lightweight maintenance duties.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and a safety-oriented attitude.
• Engage in limited operation readiness activities and logistics planning.
• Coordinate and execute remote-control piloting with excellence.
• Lead small teams effectively.

Essential Skills

• 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Aeronautical knowledge.
• Jira knowledge.
• 2+ years of remote-control pilot experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand/walk for up to 8-10 hours.
• Willingness to work graveyard hours.
• Willingness to travel up to 75 of the year.
• Valid Drivers License.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with the commercial UAS industry.
• Aviation safety experience as a Safety Officer or similar.
• Current US fixed-wing or rotorcraft pilots certificate.
• Excellent business communications and reporting skills.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and reporting abilities.
• Military experience is a plus.
• College education is a plus.
• Engineering or electronics technician/maintenance background.
• Aerospace: UAS or manned aviation qualifications.
• Coding/programming skills.
• Project management and logistics experience.

Why Work Here?

Join a dynamic Research and Development team committed to creating transformative experiences. Enjoy opportunities for professional growth in a cutting-edge technology environment. Benefit from a flexible work culture that values safety, innovation, and collaboration.

Work Environment

Work involves standing or walking for extended periods, with breaks, in a dynamic and collaborative setting. The role requires flexibility for shift hours, including graveyard shifts, and involves travel up to 75 of the year.

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 10, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.