Drone Operator

Job Description

Solar power is the largest source of new energy in the world. Raptor Maps is a fast-growing, venture-backed, MIT-born climate tech company building software to enable the solar energy industry to scale. We have the leading platform for remotely managed solar operations, and our mission is to make solar asset management and O&M dramatically simpler through better data, automation, and the integration of robotics. We serve tens of thousands of solar sites around the world with a dedicated and passionate team committed to having impact through work and advancing the renewable energy economy.

Our mission is groundbreaking, and we need great people to make it happen. Join us in building the digital backbone of a stronger, more scalable solar industry!

About the role

Raptor Maps is hiring contract Drone Operators who will sit at the core of our turnkey data collection. You will manage mission planning and drone flights, 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 following established protocols and working closely with our internal team of data collection specialists. This is a remote contract role with location and schedule dictated by the work assigned.

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

What you'll do

• Schedule: Maintain and update mission calendar
• Plan: Create, organize, and store portfolio of mission plans
• Check: 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
• Verify: Document work completed and any deviations from expected operations
• Deliver: Ensure complete upload of data from drone to cloud systems
• 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
• Proven track record of safe flight operations
• Proficiency in operating DJI enterprise and/or Skydio UAS systems
• Demonstrated ability to maintain uninterrupted attention during active flight operations
• Attention to detail in scheduling, file management, and documentation of work
• Communicate clearly and effectively across email, phone, team messaging tools, and meetings
• Ability to learn and navigate new computer systems
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Preferred Equipment, Environment, and Connectivity

• Enterprise Thermal Drone; Skydio X10, DJI M3T or M4T
• Reliable phone service for emergency communications
• Reliable vehicle for travel to/from inspection sites
• Dedicated workspace free from distractions when not traveling
• Computer with 16+GB RAM and:
  • MacOS 14.x or later or Windows 11 Pro
    • Chrome browser
    • Two or more 22"+ monitors
    • Audio in/out capability
• Hardline internet service (cable or fiber) with at least 50 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up

The pay range for this role is:

25 - 35 USD per hour (Remote)