I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Acuren is currently recruiting for Drone Operators for operations in Arlington, VA.

Acuren is building a Remote Operations Center (ROC) to support drone operations across the United States. We are seeking an 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 Remote Operations Center 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.
  Preferred Qualifications
  • 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

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, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1