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15W Uav Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD

$65K - $95K/yr

... 15W/15E, 35-series (Intel), or 94-series (Maintainers). * Air Force: 1A8, 1U0, or 2A-series (Avionics). * USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator)

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... 15W/15E, 35-series (Intel), or 94-series (Maintainers). * Air Force: 1A8, 1U0, or 2A-series (Avionics). * USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator)

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... 15W/15E, 35-series (Intel), or 94-series (Maintainers). * Air Force: 1A8, 1U0, or 2A-series (Avionics). * USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator)

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15W Uav Operator information

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$10

$22

$52

How much do 15w uav operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 15w uav operator in the United States is $22.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 15W UAV Operator?

15W UAV Operators, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operators, are Army soldiers who are responsible for controlling and maintaining drones like the RQ-7B Shadow. Their main duties include launching, operating, and recovering UAVs to gather intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data for military operations. They also interpret aerial imagery, maintain equipment, and coordinate with ground and air units to support mission objectives. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 15W UAV Operator?

To thrive as a 15W UAV Operator, you need a solid understanding of aeronautics, navigation, and electronics, typically achieved through Army training and completion of the 15W MOS course. Familiarity with UAV control systems, flight planning software, and military communication equipment is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork set you apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate UAV missions and supporting critical intelligence and surveillance operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by a 15W UAV Operator during missions, and how can they be managed?

15W UAV Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining communication with ground teams, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and troubleshooting technical issues with the UAV systems. Effective time management and attention to detail are essential when preparing for missions and monitoring equipment performance. Close collaboration with intelligence analysts, maintenance crews, and mission planners helps ensure successful operations and quick resolution of any unexpected problems.
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15W Uav Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 15W Uav Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,044 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Flight Test Technician

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Hagerstown, MD

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Technicians with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing.  Primary work activities will take place in Hagerstown, MD with occasional travel supporting various events.
 
The successful candidate is a mission-experienced operator or maintainer with the aptitude to conduct flight testing in the airborne ISR and SIGINT domains. This is a direct flight test operations role for a hands-on technician who is more comfortable in an aircraft seat than behind a desk. You are the type of professional who can manage a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR, EO/IR, EW) in high-pressure environments, possessing the common sense and technical ability to operate systems and troubleshoot hardware or software faults mid-mission. Whether you are a veteran Army 15-series, an Air Force 1A8, a Navy CT or other similar MOS looking to transition your cryptologic or technical skills to flight test, you bring the focus and work ethic required for high-stakes airborne sensor testing.
Key Responsibilities/Duties Include:
 
·      In-Flight System Operation: Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards to collect data and adjusting settings as needed to ensure a successful mission.
·      General Troubleshooting: Identify and help fix hardware, cabling, and software issues during flight and ground operations to keep the systems running and avoid cancelled flights.
·      Ground Checks & Setup: Assist with pre-flight system checks and ground integration tests to make sure sensors, data links, and mission computers are ready for takeoff.
·      Data Handling: Follow data collection steps carefully to ensure all information is recorded correctly; check data formats post-flight before handing off to the engineering team.
·      Mission Documentation: Fill out flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs) clearly and accurately, noting exactly what happened with the equipment during the mission.
·      Safety & Teamwork: Follow U.S. Army crew rest standards and all aviation safety rules, working as a reliable member of the flight crew to ensure safe operations.
·      Flexible Schedule Execution: Show up ready to work for a variable schedule that includes early mornings, late nights, and weekend shifts to meet mission requirements.
 
Qualification requirements:
 
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of a military technical school (A-School/C-School/AIT) or a vocational program in electronics, ISR, or communications is a major plus.
  • Experience: 4+ years of experience in a technical, hands-on role—ideally involving sensors, radios, or electronics maintenance. We value practical experience and a track record of showing up and getting the job done.
  • Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory. Due to the nature of the work, we cannot consider candidates without this clearance level already in place.
  • Military Background (Preferred): We strongly encourage applications from those with experience in roles including, but not limited to:
    • Navy: CT (Cryptologic Technician), AT (Aviation Electronics Technician), CTT, or CTR.
    • Army: 15W/15E, 35-series (Intel), or 94-series (Maintainers).
    • Air Force: 1A8, 1U0, or 2A-series (Avionics).
    • USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator).
  • Flight Physical: Ability to pass a standard FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent) to ensure you are safe to fly.
  • Technical Aptitude: A basic understanding of how electronics work, how signals flow through cables, and a willingness to learn the specifics of Radar, EO/IR, and SIGINT systems.
  • Physical Stamina: Comfortable working in the confined space of a business jet for several hours at a time and able to maintain focus during long missions.
  • Availability: Must be willing and able to work an "off-shift" schedule, including nights and weekends, as missions are often scheduled around weather and aircraft availability.
  •  
 
WGS Systems, LLC, based in Frederick, Maryland, provides systems and products that support our military and homeland security front line personnel.  We have been recognized as a small-business industry leader by the state of Maryland by winning the Homeland Security Award from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Our offerings include signal collection and processing systems; first responder protection systems; airborne and ground-based systems development; multiple sensor integration and fusion; radar, imagery, and signal exploitation systems integration; advanced computing and networking architecture development; and communications networks for off-board voice and data dissemination.
We are looking for the highest quality, motivated personnel to help our company continue to grow into the preeminent sensor and system developer for the defense and homeland security of our country.
 
WGS Systems is proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V.