Drone Pilot

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, bilingual drone pilot based in El Paso, Texas to support aerial operations across the El Paso–Las Cruces–Ciudad Juárez corridor. This is an independent contractor role. Assignments are offered project by project, and compensation is set for each job according to scope, location, and complexity. The work spans two countries and three cities. The right contractor already lives locally, is legally able to operate on both sides of the border, can travel between sites on short notice, and can communicate clearly with clients and crews in English and Spanish.

Work Area

The primary base for this role is El Paso, Texas, and candidates must currently reside in El Paso. Regular work locations include El Paso, TX; Las Cruces, NM; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The contractor must be able to travel among these cities as each assignment requires and must hold valid authorization to work in Ciudad Juárez, such as a Mexican work visa, work permit, or equivalent lawful work status.

Responsibilities

The contractor will plan, brief, and execute drone flights for assigned projects in the United States and Mexico. That includes conducting pre-flight site surveys, airspace checks, weather assessments, and risk reviews, then capturing high-quality aerial photo, video, inspection, or mapping data to client specifications. Flights in the United States must comply with FAA Part 107 rules, and flights in Ciudad Juárez must comply with applicable Mexican civil aviation (AFAC) drone regulations. The pilot will coordinate with clients, ground crews, and site contacts in English and Spanish; keep aircraft, batteries, sensors, and flight logs in flight-ready condition; deliver raw and/or processed files on schedule with basic notes on flight conditions and coverage; and protect client confidentiality while following site safety rules on industrial, commercial, and public-facing jobs.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must currently live in El Paso, Texas, and must hold a valid visa or other lawful authorization to work in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Applicants who cannot legally work in Juárez will not be considered. Professional working proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required, along with a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and demonstrated professional drone flight experience in inspection, mapping, real estate, construction, industrial work, or cinematography. Candidates must have access to a reliable, airworthy UAS suitable for commercial work, plus batteries, media, and basic backup gear; hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have reliable personal transportation among El Paso, Las Cruces, and the Juárez ports of entry; be able to accept contract assignments on a per-job basis, including some early-morning, weekend, or short-notice work when a project requires it; and be legally authorized to work as an independent contractor in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with Mexican drone or RPAS authorization, or documented legal flight experience in Mexico; experience with photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal imaging, or industrial inspection; a night waiver, airspace authorizations, or experience flying near controlled airspace such as El Paso International, Las Cruces, or Juárez; current UAV liability insurance, or a willingness to carry coverage as required per job; a portfolio of commercial work and client references; and familiarity with the El Paso–Juárez crossing process and job-site protocols on both sides of the border.

Compensation & Terms

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. There is no salary, hourly guarantee, or benefits package. Pay is negotiated per assignment based on flight time, deliverables, location, equipment, and complexity, and rates are confirmed in writing before each job. The contractor is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, equipment, travel time, and border-crossing costs unless a specific job agreement states otherwise. Volume of work will vary, and acceptance of one assignment does not guarantee future assignments.