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Contract Uas Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

Amentum

MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$78.11/hr

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Pae

MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Yuma, AZ)

Yuma, AZ

$78.11/hr

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Pae

MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$78.24/hr

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Pae

MQ-9 UAS Pilot III (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$89.84/hr

The UAS Pilot III will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Current or previously qualified MQ-9 instructor pilot. #TAMOD Service Contract Act (SCA ...

Amentum

MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$78.24/hr

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract ...

Amentum

MQ-9 UAS Pilot II (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$99 - $116/hr

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of ... Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

KBR

$95K - $143K/yr

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to ... experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity. Additional ...

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Contract Uas Pilot information

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$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do contract uas pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract uas pilot in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract UAS pilot?

Contract UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Pilots are professionals who operate drones or unmanned aircraft under a contract agreement, rather than as full-time employees. They are often hired for specific projects or periods to conduct aerial surveys, inspections, mapping, or data collection for clients in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, or public safety. Contract UAS Pilots must typically hold the necessary certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the United States, and adhere to all aviation regulations. Their work can vary widely depending on the client's needs and the type of drone operations required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract UAS pilot?

To thrive as a Contract UAS Pilot, you need a strong understanding of aviation principles, proficiency in piloting unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and typically a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with mission planning software, GPS navigation tools, and various UAS platforms is essential for operational efficiency. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication skills help pilots manage risk and coordinate with teams or clients. These skills are critical for ensuring safe, compliant, and successful UAS operations in a variety of environments.

What are common challenges faced by contract UAS pilots, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Contract UAS Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing client requirements, operating in diverse environments, and ensuring compliance with evolving aviation regulations. Flexibility and strong communication skills are crucial for adapting to new mission parameters and collaborating with different teams. Staying up-to-date with FAA rules, maintaining detailed flight logs, and proactively addressing technical issues can help pilots deliver reliable results and maintain safety standards.

What is the difference between Contract Uas Pilot vs Uas Operator?

AspectContract Uas PilotUas Operator
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, on-demandEmployed by a company or organization, ongoing
Employer UsageClients or contractors hiring pilots for specific missionsOrganizations managing drone operations

Contract Uas Pilots typically work independently on a project basis, holding necessary certifications like the FAA Part 107. Uas Operators often work for companies managing drone fleets or operations. While both roles require similar credentials, Contract Uas Pilots focus on individual assignments, whereas Uas Operators oversee ongoing drone activities within organizations.

Is there a big demand for contract Uas pilots?

The demand for contract UAS pilots has increased due to expanding commercial drone applications such as aerial photography, surveying, and inspection services. Many industries are seeking qualified pilots with FAA Part 107 certification, and opportunities are growing as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.
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Contract Uas Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Uas Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD • On-site

Ideal Aerosmith
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Ideal Aerosmithexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

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