Drone Pilot & Data Specialist
Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM
Position Overview
This is a hybrid field-and-office role—not strictly a flying job.
As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist, you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need someone with strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, and meticulous attention to detail who takes pride in both precision flight and clean data management.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations & Flight Operations
- Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA regulations and company SOPs.
- Conduct preflight planning, airspace reviews, site risk assessments, and weather checks.
- Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.
- Capture high-quality data across multiple modalities: photogrammetry, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, and oblique imagery.
- Assist with agricultural spraying operations (training/licensing provided).
- Maintain accurate flight logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety checklists.
Data Processing & Quality Control
- Download, organize, back up, and manage large datasets using standardized file structures.
- Process imagery and spatial data into orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, digital twins, and thermal reports.
- Perform rigorous quality control checks (coverage, overlap, visual clarity, positioning accuracy) before client delivery.
- Upload project deliverables to cloud platforms and client portals.
- Continuously learn and adapt to new mapping, GIS, and processing software.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications:
- Computer & Technical Skills: High proficiency with Windows systems, file management, cloud storage, and learning new software quickly.
- Work Ethic & Mindset: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, safety-conscious, and able to work independently in the field.
- Physical & Travel Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable working outdoors in varying Texas weather conditions; ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Screening: Must pass background, driving record, and drug screenings.
Preferred Experience & Certifications:
- Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
- Experience operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms.
- Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD, surveying, precision ag, or remote sensing.
- Experience with software like PIX4D, DJI Terra, ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, or ROCK Cloud.
- Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience).
Schedule & Working Conditions
Field ops are driven by weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, late afternoons, or overnight trips. This is a fully in-person role based in Amarillo, TX.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
- Updated Resume
- Brief cover letter highlighting your experience with drones, computers, GIS/CAD, ag, or construction.
- List of current certifications/licenses.
- Your target compensation and start availability.
Tex-Air Drone LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Us
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Tex-Air Drone LLC delivers high-precision aerial and terrestrial data for agriculture, construction, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural spraying and multispectral imaging to thermal inspections, LiDAR, and 3D digital-twin development.
We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a long-term career in the fast-growing geospatial and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.