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Civilian Uav Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Cost Estimator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $94K/yr

... Federal civilian agencies for nearly 30 years. Our core capabilities include weapon systems ... UAV) programs. * Research and data entry into customer databases * Statistical analysis and ...

Journeyman Cost Estimator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

... Federal civilian agencies for nearly 30 years. Our core capabilities include weapon systems ... UAV) programs. * Research and data entry into customer databases * Statistical analysis and ...

Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

... civilian and military organizations spanning numerous global markets, including Aviation, Communication, Electronic Warfare (EW/ECM/CIED), Industrial, Missile/UAV, Radar, Satcom, Space, and Test and ...

Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$96K - $128K/yr

... civilian and military organizations spanning numerous global markets, including Aviation, Communication, Electronic Warfare (EW/ECM/CIED), Industrial, Missile/UAV, Radar, Satcom, Space, and Test and ...

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets ...

Showing results 21-40

Civilian Uav information

See salary details

$22.5K

$84.6K

$182K

How much do civilian uav jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian uav in the United States is $84,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a civilian UAV operator do?

A Civilian UAV Operator's daily tasks typically include pre-flight equipment checks, reviewing mission parameters, piloting drones according to specific project requirements, and collecting high-quality aerial data or imagery. You may be responsible for analyzing collected data, maintaining flight logs, and ensuring all operations comply with federal and local regulations. Collaboration with surveyors, engineers, or project managers is common, as jobs often involve supporting larger team goals. This role may also require troubleshooting hardware or software issues and performing routine maintenance to keep UAVs in top condition.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a civilian UAV operator?

To thrive as a Civilian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator, you need strong technical aptitude in drone operation, navigation, and maintenance, often supported by FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent credentials. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, data mapping tools, and remote control hardware is also essential. Detail orientation, strong problem-solving, effective communication, and a commitment to safety are highly valued soft skills. These abilities ensure efficient, compliant, and safe UAV operations across various civilian applications, such as surveying, inspections, or aerial photography.

What is a civilian UAV?

A Civilian UAV job involves operating, maintaining, or developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for non-military purposes. These roles can include drone piloting for mapping, agriculture, inspections, or public safety, as well as UAV design and software development. Civilian UAV professionals may work in industries like construction, environmental monitoring, or delivery services. Certification and regulatory compliance are essential aspects of the job.

More about Civilian Uav jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Uav jobs? The most popular types of Civilian Uav jobs are:
What states have the most Civilian Uav jobs? States with the most job openings for Civilian Uav jobs include:
Infographic showing various Civilian Uav job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,568 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Junior Cost Estimator

ACT1 Federal

Arlington, VA • On-site

$77K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
Position Title: Junior Cost Estimator
Location: Arlington/Crystal City, VA
Category: Contingent
Schedule (FT/PT): FT
Travel Required: N/A
Shift: Day
Remote Type: Hybrid
Clearance Required: Secret (or Secret Eligible)
Division: Aviation
Salary Range: $77,000-$94,000
Who is ACT1 Federal?
ACT1 Federal is a 100% employee-owned company supporting the Department of Defense and Federal civilian agencies for nearly 30 years. Our core capabilities include weapon systems engineering, logistics, space domain expertise, global defense and security, business and financial management for security assistance and major defense articles, and military training and Arctic security.
Join us in delivering mission-critical solutions and industry-leading talent to advance the missions of our partners, organizations, and communities we serve.
**THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD**
Description
ACT1 Federal is looking for a Junior-level Cost Estimator who is beginning to develop experience in cost analysis principles including, but not limited to:
Cost/Technical - Some basic familiarity with DAF weapon systems, cost/engineering concepts and a desire to learn how to identify appropriate acquisition and O&S cost drivers.
Cost Estimating - Basic understanding of cost drivers and the concepts of estimating the acquisition and O&S costs of weapon systems and subsystems.
Data collection - Ability to collect cost, technical, and programmatic data from Government and Industry entities under supervision.
Data analysis & cost tools - Basic ability to analyze data and a willingness to learn how to develop cost estimating methods and tools.
Responsibilities:
  • Data collection of technical, programmatic, and cost data for Department of War (DoW) aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs.
  • Research and data entry into customer databases
  • Statistical analysis and development of cost estimating relationships (CERs)
  • Development of cost models and/or development on independent cost estimates

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Active secret clearance required.

Benefits
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Company Paid Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 401K with employer match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Education, Training & Professional Development
  • Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection

Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.