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
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.
Collect aerial imagery, video, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other operational data.
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.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on drones, sensors, batteries, and related equipment.
Maintain accurate flight logs, operational records, maintenance documentation, and compliance reports.
Required Qualifications
Associate degree or technical training in aviation, geospatial technology, engineering, surveying, or a related field preferred.
Experience operating drones in industrial, construction, mining, energy, or similar environments preferred.
Knowledge of aerial surveying, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, or mapping technologies preferred.
Required Skills & Competencies
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
Work Environment
Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and changing weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
