Drone Operator; Pilot

Overview

Acuren is recruiting Drone Operators for operations in Arlington, VA. We are building a Remote Operations Center (ROC) to support drone operations across the United States. We are seeking a 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 ROC 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.

• 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.

• 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.
  • 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.

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

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.

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.

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

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world’s largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursue advanced technical developments, and support reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees.