Find & Apply For Drone Pilot Jobs in Syracuse, New York

About the Work Central New York (or greater Syracuse, New York region) is emerging as the epicenter for innovation in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), solidifying New York's status as a premier destination for drone-related businesses and growth. Working alongside SUNY Upstate Medical University, Causey Aviation Unmanned provides aerial logistics for a variety of facilities in the Upstate healthcare system. Prescriptions, medical supplies, and clinical materials are flown directly to the healthcare workers who need them, allowing patients to be seen sooner, treated faster, and receive the care they need without unnecessary delays. Causey Aviation Unmanned is an FAA-certificated Part 135 air carrier, a certification framework allowing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Our network has completed more than 250,000 commercial deliveries, including thousands of healthcare deliveries. The Remote Pilot in Command is the person who ensures these flights happen safely. This is a unique aviation opportunity, positioning you at the forefront of a new industry. The procedures you follow, the decisions you make, and the flight data you generate become part of how unmanned delivery gets certified and scaled nationally. The Role As Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), you hold operational authority for each flight. You launch and recover aircraft, evaluate weather and airspace, deconflict ground and air risk, direct your crew, and make the final call on whether missions are executed. You also run the ground side of the operation, receiving and fulfilling orders from medical facilities, handling secure handoffs, and keeping the fulfillment site ready to fly. You will work in accordance with strict procedures and checklists under 14 CFR Part 107 and Part 135 and ensure every operation is compliant with local, state, and federal regulation. Integrity, attention to detail, and a safety-first mindset are our foundational standards.

Classification:

Part-Time, Hourly — with a path to

Full-Time Reports To:

Regional Manager What You Will Do Serve as Remote Pilot in Command for delivery missions, holding final authority for the safety and conduct of each flight. Assess weather, airspace, and ground conditions, and deconflict air and ground risk in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 and Part 135. Operate the delivery system in full compliance with Part 107 and Part 135 and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Direct and support the crew throughout each mission, applying crew resource management principles. Set up and close down the fulfillment center daily and confirm the operational status of all required equipment. Receive and fulfill orders from medical facilities, on foot and by vehicle, with secure handoff to the correct party under strict company procedures. Document daily flight activity and maintain accurate flight logs. Execute operations to written procedures and checklists, every time, without shortcuts. Provide professional customer service and support to current and future customers. Identify and contribute improvements to the efficiency and safety of current operations. Represent the program in public outreach and community engagement. Perform collateral duties as required. When flight delivery is interrupted by weather, technical issues, or airspace restrictions, crew members continue to support delivery of orders by personal automobile. What You Bring Sound decision making and problem analysis under time pressure. Leadership and the confidence to hold command of a mission.

Crew resource management:

clear communication, shared situational awareness, no ambiguity. A safety management and risk mitigation mindset. Strategic thinking and a collaborative attitude toward a small, fast-moving team. Strong time management and personal accountability for performance. Required Qualifications FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial sUAS operation). High school diploma or GED equivalent; associate degree or higher preferred. Valid driver's license, subject to a driving record history check prior to employment. Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications. Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deliver clear, concise communications. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, trusting, flexible, and safety-focused environment. Ability to meet all medical clearances and background checks associated with our SUNY contract. Part 135 crew members are subject to pre-employment and random DOT drug and alcohol screening. Must be at least 21 years of age (corporate insurance requirement). Preferred Qualifications Associate's or bachelor's degree, completed or in progress. One to two years of experience working with RPA or UAS. Part 61 pilot experience.

Schedule, Environment, and Physical Requirements Schedule:

Operations run five days a week, with the potential for extended weekend hours as the network grows. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Environment:

A mix of outdoor field operations, including hot, cold, and inclement weather, and limited office work. You will routinely use computers, radios, mobile devices, tablets, multi-rotor small unmanned aircraft, and remote control units.

Physical:

Regularly operating a vehicle; speaking and hearing clearly; extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking; running when the mission calls for it; kneeling and crouching; using hands to handle and feel; reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Travel:

Local to the position location. Personal vehicles are used to complete necessary tasks; mileage is tracked via GPS during the work shift and reimbursed at the current rate published at gsa.gov. Citizenship This position requires U.S. citizenship. Causey Aviation Unmanned participates in E-Verify for federal employment verification. Equal Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All offers of employment made by Causey Aviation Unmanned are subject to the successful completion of a background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening.

Pay:

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Application Question(s): Are you at least 21 years old? (This is due to corporate insurance requirements.)

License/Certification:

Part 107 sUAS Certificate issued by the FAA (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Syracuse, NY 13210 (Required)

Work Location:

In person