ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Uas Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 III (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI

$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 ...

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 ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

This role operates at the intersection of tactical UAS operations, autonomy testing, and rapid ... contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

This role operates at the intersection of tactical UAS operations, autonomy testing, and rapid ... contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Uas Pilot Jobs

Contract Uas Pilot information

See salary details

$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do contract uas pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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.
More about Contract Uas Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Uas Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Uas Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Uas Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Uas Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Uas Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Uas Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Uas Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Uas Pilot jobs are:
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 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

UAS Red Team Pilot

CACI International, Inc.

Aberdeen, MD • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: UAS Red Team Pilot
Job Category: Intelligence
Time Type: Part time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret
Employee Type: Part-Time On-Call
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 75%
Type of Travel: Local
* * *
The Opportunity:
As a CACI UAS Red Team Pilot you will be responsible for performing operational responsibilities for COTS UAS fixed-wing and rotary platforms and supporting systems to gather intelligence for mission planning, mission sensor/payload operations, launching, remotely piloting, and recovering remote piloted ground and air vehicle systems. The UAS Pilot will be available and willing to deploy to the CENTCOM AOR for up to 6-12 months at a time rotating with other deployers.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with DoD UAS system policies and procedures.
  • Aircrew training and document/flight jacket monitoring and updates.
  • Currency requirements in accordance with GFR directives.
  • Responsible for the acquisition, fabrication, modification, programming, and maintenance of multi-rotor and fixed-wing COTS UAS platforms - Group 3 and Turbines, for training and test events.
  • Launches and recovers the air vehicle, performs pre-flight, in flight, and post flight checks.
  • Ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS (to possible conflict areas) on short notice in order to disseminate relevant threat information.
  • Assist with vulnerability site assessments to inform analyst team about possible use of UAS.
  • Coordinate with national and international intelligence agencies to develop data sharing capability, trend analysis and procedures.
  • Plan, coordinate and act as safety officer for flight operations during training and test events.
  • Provide comprehensive technical red-team analysis.
  • Perform all functional duties independently
  • Work and live in a small team environment.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Experience with DCMA 8210, HQDA 228-24, AR951.
  • Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience instructing large groups of low and high ranking personnel in a military environment.
  • BA/BS with 0-3yrs experience; or AA/AS and 4 years of experience; or HS/GED and 6 years of experience.
  • Experience with COTS multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft, to include hobbyist UAS experience
  • Demonstrate experience in pre-deployment training and knowledge exchange supporting field training exercises (FTX), Validation Exercises (VALEX), and other technical exchange events.
  • Must be able to obtain a Certified FAA UAS Pilot License.
  • Must be able to successfully complete CRC and deploy to CENTCOM theater.
  • Must be able to obtain an Amateur Radio Technician License.
  • Experience with all RPV (land, air, and sea) and ability to design/fabricate with limited instructions or pre-built kits.
  • Ability to research emerging RPV technologies, describe their advantages, and the impact to DoD capabilities.
  • Knowledge of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP).
  • Ability to take technical RPV knowledge and inform/instruct others about the technology, capabilities and limitations, and impacts to DoD capabilities.
  • Proficient in utilizing standard MS Office computer applications and intelligence related automation to support analytical efforts and product development.
  • Define and carry out scenarios (in test events or training events) in which RPV technology can be utilized.
  • Ability to understand and interpret customer requirements in order to influence correct use of the RPV technology at technical exchange events or test events.
  • Ability to perform independently while in other locations and interacting with other organizations and military units.
  • Ability to communicate and function effectively in a team environment

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$75,200 - 158,100 USD
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

Apply