Drone Technician
A drone technician (also known as unmanned aerial vehicle technician) is responsible for the repair and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Drone technicians perform hands-on work using hand tools, including metallic, structural and electronic component fabrication. Additionally, the technicians will work on the drone’s internal software by installing and updating firmware and software packages, ensuring the aircraft conforms to design and that vehicles are in safe operating condition.
Future Job Market
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Fair
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Good
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Excellent
Typical Employers:
Drone technicians may be employed at companies that manufacture and produce drones or specifically provide drone repair services. Alternatively, they may be self-employed, offering their repair services as an independent business.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- International Society of Precision Agriculture
- Coalition to Advance Precision Agriculture
Salary:
$53,000?
SAE Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Inspect and test UAV technologies, components and assemblies
- Assemble electronic systems according to provided instructions
- Diagnose and locate circuit, component and equipment faults
- Interpret diagrams, schematics and service manuals
- Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of the drone components
- Perform service estimates and repairs on all types of surveying instruments, GPS and rotating lasers
- Adjust, align, replace or repair electronic, hydraulic and mechanical equipment, assemblies and components
- Perform firmware and software updates to drones
- Complete work orders, test and maintenance reports
- Inspect, test and repair mechanical and hydraulic components on automated soil testing equipment
- Create and maintain knowledge base content and training materials
- Develop preventative maintenance schedules and procedures
- Recommend additional products and services to clients
- Perform soldering on wiring
- Provide technical assistance to equipment users
- Utilize tools like multi-meters, circuit testers and other electronic test instruments
- Maintain inventories of parts and equipment
- Assist with the development of simulation exercises designed to test drones for real-world scenarios
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially agricultural mechanics
- mathematics
- focus on sciences such as chemistry and biology
Education/Training Required:
An associate degree in agricultural systems technology, electronics, electrical engineering or a mechanical program or an apprenticeship program in service and repair is needed. Alternatively, a growing number of colleges offer education programs in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. To legally fly a drone, you must earn a Part 107 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.
