Drone Operator

Drone Operator 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!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.Locations:Remote - CaliforniaRemote - IllinoisRemote - MassachusettsRemote - MinnesotaRemote - New York / New JerseyRemote - North CarolinaRemote - TexasWhat You'll DoSchedule: Maintain and update mission calendarPlan: Create, organize, and store portfolio of mission plansCheck: Conduct regular safety and preflight checks following established protocolsFly: 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 necessaryVerify: Document work completed and any deviations from expected operationsDeliver: Ensure complete upload of data from drone to cloud systemsWork with team to ensure continuous improvement, document process changes, and define exceptions that will drive the team's successEscalate matters appropriately utilizing SOPs, proper channels, and critical thinkingQualificationsFAA Part 107 certificateProven track record of safe flight operationsProficiency in operating DJI enterprise and/or Skydio UAS systemsDemonstrated ability to maintain uninterrupted attention during active flight operationsAttention to detail in scheduling, file management, and documentation of workCommunicate clearly and effectively across email, phone, team messaging tools, and meetingsAbility to learn and navigate new computer systemsMust be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.Preferred QualificationsUtility scale solar inspection experience50+ flight hours on Skydio and/or DJI enterprise equipment with thermal sensorsExperience applying for and receiving LAANC authorizations, COAs, and WaiversFamiliarity with Slack for team communicationPreferred Equipment, Environment, and ConnectivityEnterprise Thermal Drone; Skydio X10, DJI M3T or M4TReliable phone service for emergency communicationsReliable vehicle for travel to/from inspection sitesDedicated workspace free from distractions when not travelingComputer with 16+GB RAM and:MacOS 14.x or later or Windows 11 ProChrome browserTwo or more 22"+ monitorsAudio in/out capabilityHardline internet service (cable or fiber) with at least 50 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up