Drone Operator

About this role

ABOUT MARIANA MINERALS

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Position Summary

The Drone Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in support of mining operations. This role conducts and supervises continuous drone flight activities for surveying, inspection, monitoring, mapping, stockpile measurements, environmental compliance, security surveillance, and operational support. The Drone Operator ensures all drone missions are executed in accordance with applicable aviation regulations, company policies, and mine safety standards.

This position requires strong technical knowledge of drone systems, mining operations, aviation regulations, and emergency response procedures. Operators must maintain required certifications and be capable of working independently in a safety-sensitive environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Drone Operations

- Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections of drone systems and equipment.

- Operate and monitor drones in a 24/7 mining environment during day and night shifts.

- Execute automated and manual flight missions for mapping, surveying, inspections, and site monitoring.

- Monitor telemetry, battery status, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions to ensure safe operations.

- Maintain compliance with FAA, MSHA, and company safety and operational requirements.

- Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.

- Verify data quality, process mission outputs, and distribute information to stakeholders.

- Prepare reports and communicate operational findings to management and project teams.

- Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel.

- Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic, blasting schedules, and restricted areas.

- Respond to equipment malfunctions, flight deviations, and emergency situations.

- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.

- Coordinate repairs with vendors and technical support teams and maintain parts and supply inventories.

- Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.

Required Qualifications

- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required).

- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

- Ability to obtain and maintain site-specific mining and safety certifications.

- High school diploma or GED required.

- Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.

- Minimum 2 years of professional drone operating experience preferred.

- Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.

- Understanding of mining operations, mine safety procedures, and site hazards.

- Experience with drone mission planning software and flight management systems.

- Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.

- Ability to read maps, site plans, and technical documents.

- Familiarity with weather impacts on drone operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

- Strong commitment to safety.

- Excellent situational awareness and decision-making skills.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

- Attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping.

- Ability to remain alert and focused during extended monitoring periods.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

- Ability to walk on uneven terrain and active mining sites.

- Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

- Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.

- Ability to maintain visual observation of aircraft during flight operations when required.

Work Environment

- Active surface or underground mining operations.

- Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.

- Rotating 24/7 shift coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with autonomous drone operations.

- MSHA training or mining industry experience.

- GIS, surveying, photogrammetry, or LiDAR experience.

- Experience managing multiple simultaneous drone missions.

- Advanced drone certifications or manufacturer-specific training.

OUR CULTURE IS BUILT ON THREE PRINCIPLES:

Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.

Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.

Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.

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