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Airborne Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AdventHealth

Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

Tampa, FL

$102.90K - $140.80K/yr

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating ... The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide Tier 3 tracking ...

JMI Resource

Forklift Operator

Fort Myers, FL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Work environment - airborne dust and dirt particles, along with various climatic temperatures. REQUIREMENTS: Valid forklift operator certification/license. Proven experience as a forklift operator or ...

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How much do airborne operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for airborne operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Airborne Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectAirborne OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, depending on jurisdictionFAA Part 107 or similar remote pilot certification
Work EnvironmentAircraft, helicopters, or fixed-wing planes; often outdoors and in various weather conditionsUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); typically remote-controlled, indoors or outdoors
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveillance, military, and cargoFilmmaking, real estate, inspections, agriculture, and surveying

Both Airborne Operators and Drone Pilots require FAA Part 107 certification and work with aerial technology. However, Airborne Operators typically operate manned aircraft in diverse environments, while Drone Pilots control unmanned drones mainly for commercial or recreational purposes. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aerial operations.

More about Airborne Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Airborne Operator jobs? Cities with the most Airborne Operator job openings:
What states have the most Airborne Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Airborne Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airborne Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airborne Operator jobs are:
Airborne Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airborne Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 85% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Airborne Systems Operator (ASO)

Aethon Aerial Solutions

Livermore, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

This is a Field positionPosition Summary

The Airborne Systems Operator plays a key role in the Field Operations workflow capturing data and imagery for company and customer requirements. Accomplishing operations, system installation, preflight / postflight inspections, maintenance, and limited repair effort for airborne sensor systems and GPS instruments on airborne platforms. This is a field-based position that will work remotely when not accomplishing company or customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Operating airborne sensor platforms in Electric Utility environment
  • Record and update flight logs and daily reports
  • Monitor the quality of collected data
  • Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of in-flight equipment
  • Pre-flight / Post-flight, check navigation trajectories to ensure data coverage
  • Participate in the quality management system, by working to document processes and procedures, plus offering recommendations on improvement opportunities
  • Troubleshoot & make limited system repairs
  • Follow & help improve best practices for troubleshooting of integrated systems.
  • Integration, tuning and testing of optical devices.
  • Operation of proprietary software to debug, tune, and test complex electromechanical systems.
  • Work to deadlines to meet delivery dates for both internal and external customers.
  • Interact with other departments to resolve problems and provide continuous improvement to reflect operational results and goals.
  • Field Support for system installation/calibration, customer training and program/process development.
  • Continually improve the companies process for system specification, configuration control and documentation.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • Familiar with troubleshooting techniques and ability to read technical drawings, data sheets and schematics.
  • Strong and professional customer relations skills.
  • Ability to work within a Microsoft Office environment including knowledge of Windows, Excel, and Word.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work to company deadlines to meet customer delivery dates.
  • Work in teams to continuously improve operations and processes.
  • DISIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • One year of Helicopter Crewmember experience (Flight Engineer, Flight Mechanic, Crew Chief)
  • 2 Years of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) experience (Group 2, 2/3, 3) with Remote Pilot License (Part 107)
  • Prior Airborne Payload Operator experience
  • Installation and maintenance of sensors (Ex. LiDAR, GPS and Specialized Camera Sensors)
  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in electronics, aircraft systems, remote sensing, unmanned systems, mechanical technology or equivalent
  • Physical Demands and Work Environment

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

    This role is a field position that requires flying in the back of a helicopter in all weather conditions for extended hours. System installation, troubleshooting, repair, and removal is primarily accomplished in active flight line environmental conditions. There are long periods of standing, sitting, and working in and around aircraft with all associated hazards that come with this environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be required during administration of certain tasks as well as being able to individually lift 70lbs.

Aethon is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

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