Drone Operator

About Raptor Maps, Inc
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.

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. Preferred start date: April 7, 2026.

Locations

Remote - California

Remote - Illinois

Remote - Massachusetts

Remote - Minnesota

Remote - New York / New Jersey

Remote - North Carolina

Remote - Texas

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)

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