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Counter Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer II

Germantown, MD · On-site

$83K - $119K/yr

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

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The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

Principal Data Scientist

Germantown, MD · On-site

$134K - $181K/yr

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

As the global leader in cyber-takeover counter-drone technology, we develop advanced solutions that keep airspaces safe from evolving drone threats. Our team -- including veterans of elite military ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary DRS RADA ...

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Counter Drone information

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How much do counter drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for counter drone in the United States is $16.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job positions are in counterterrorism?

Counterterrorism involves various job positions such as intelligence analysts, security specialists, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. These roles often require security clearances, specialized training, and skills in surveillance, threat assessment, and crisis management.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Counter drone jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or experience. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or skilled trades may reach that level, but they often require specific training, certifications, or a strong network. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are rare and usually involve entrepreneurship or commission-based work.

What is the difference between Counter Drone vs Drone Technician?

AspectCounter DroneDrone Technician
Required CertificationsCounter-UAS certifications, security clearancesDrone pilot licenses, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentSecurity, military, or government settingsIndustrial, commercial, or recreational drone operations
Industry UsageSecurity, defense, anti-drone systemsDrone maintenance, repair, and operation

Counter Drone professionals focus on detecting and neutralizing unauthorized drones, often working in security or defense environments. Drone Technicians maintain and repair drones used in various industries. While both roles involve drones, Counter Drone specialists emphasize security and countermeasures, whereas Drone Technicians concentrate on drone operation and maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counter Drone Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counter Drone Specialist, you need expertise in drone technology, surveillance, and threat assessment, generally supported by a background in security, law enforcement, or military service. Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) detection systems, radar, jamming devices, and certification in drone operations or counter-UAS technologies is often required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving skills, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for effective threat mitigation and teamwork. These skills ensure the safe, rapid, and coordinated response to unauthorized drone activity, protecting critical assets and public safety.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone job is often that of a professional drone pilot or UAV operator working in industries like film production, infrastructure inspection, or military applications, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals. These roles typically require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and the ability to operate high-end drone equipment in complex environments.

What are some common challenges faced by counter-drone professionals, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Counter-drone professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving drone technologies, distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized drones, and responding quickly to potential threats. Staying current with the latest counter-drone detection and mitigation tools is essential, as is collaborating closely with security teams and law enforcement. Regular training, clear protocols, and robust communication systems can help address these challenges and ensure effective response to incidents.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-level roles related to counter drone operations, such as senior security consultants, defense contractors, or specialized military positions, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually with experience, certifications, and security clearances. These positions often require advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and work in high-stakes environments.

What are counter drone operators and what do they do?

Counter drone operators are professionals trained to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized or hostile drones in restricted areas. They use specialized equipment and software to identify drone threats, assess risks, and implement measures to intercept or disable the drones safely. Their work is crucial for protecting sensitive locations such as airports, government buildings, and public events from potential security breaches or hazards posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Counter drone operators collaborate closely with law enforcement and security teams to ensure airspace safety and compliance with regulations.
More about Counter Drone jobs
What cities are hiring for Counter Drone jobs? Cities with the most Counter Drone job openings:
What states have the most Counter Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for Counter Drone jobs include:
Infographic showing various Counter Drone job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,364 per year, or $16 per hour.
Quality Engineer II

Quality Engineer II

Leonardo DRS

Germantown, MD • On-site

$83K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114766
DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.
Job Summary
DRS RADA Technologies is seeking a Quality Engineer II to join our team in Germantown, MD. DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.
Job Responsibilities
  • Responsible for quality system development and supporting product quality improvements
  • Develop, maintain and deploy quality plans and activities that translate customer requirements into planned activities
  • Ability to work independently and to provide technical training and mentorship to junior engineers, technicians and inspectors
  • Perform analyses of program requirements and prepares responsive quality plans, procedures, schedules and resource allocations to assure optimum quality support
  • Review and approve engineering/test and contractor documentation and provide input to assure that appropriate quality requirements are addressed
  • Provide ongoing quality system support to include performing internal audits, ensuring implementation of root cause corrective actions
  • Lead product quality improvement teams, Material Review Boards and participates in Failure Review Boards
  • Evaluate and dispose of non-conforming material
  • Provide technical support for Assembly/Test/Inspection personnel to include executing workmanship improvement plans, developing inspection methods and criteria, specifying appropriate sampling plans, interpreting and revising specifications, and processing non-conforming materials
  • Lead in resolving customer quality issues and driving root cause and corrective action on process and product quality issues
  • Assist in developing and deploying SPC initiatives
  • Analyze and execute projects independently
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and the customer, as required
  • Evaluate and make recommendations on critical supplier selections and drives supplier continuous improvement processes, including leading on-site audits, evaluating prototypes, and reviewing and approving of supplier corrective actions
  • Lead and execute customer quality program requirements
  • Develop and generate statistical reports on inspection activities and results, new product or process testing results, etc and recommend action as required
  • Establish programs to evaluate the precision and accuracy of production and processing equipment and testing, measurement, and analytical facilities
  • Consider financial impacts of quality process controls and inspections
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate customer, business or program meetings
  • Prepare quality engineering reports and recommendations
  • Monitor and mentor junior quality engineers
  • Provide regular reporting of progress and status
  • Completion of assigned task on time and meeting technical requirements
  • Specialties may include:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Laser Engineering
  • Optical Engineering
  • Supplier Quality Engineering

Job Responsibilities Part II
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 2 years of experience
  • Competent technical expertise and application domain knowledge
  • Experienced with ISO Standards, Six Sigma tools, statistics
  • Technical expertise and application domain knowledge
  • ASQ certification or Black Belt preferred
  • Ability to understand military specifications and to read blueprints
  • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, communication and writing skills
  • Ability to define problems and drive to root cause and effective corrective action

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
The salary range for this position is $83,552.00/year-$119,479/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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