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Counter Uas Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$95K - $143K/yr

As a long‑term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the Counter UAS and Unmanned Autonomy Robotics Technology teams composed of government ...

Analyze adversary UAS/sUAS technologies and capabilities to inform system design improvements and counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution development. * Coordinate with airworthiness authorities, safety offices ...

Support Counter-UAS (C-UAS) demonstrations, testing, evaluations, and training activities. * Conduct UAS operations in diverse environments, including flying test articles to replicate operational or ...

The Program Manager III will provide expertise in support of Executive Staff Level stakeholders for counter UAS, IED and USS policies, procedures, governance, and technologies and other ...

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Counter Uas information

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How much do counter uas jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for counter uas 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 is the difference between Counter Uas vs Drone Operator?

AspectCounter UasDrone Operator
CredentialsSecurity clearances, certifications in counter-UAS technologyRemote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentSecurity sites, military bases, critical infrastructureOpen fields, event venues, film sets
Industry UsageDefense, security, government agenciesMedia, agriculture, real estate

Counter Uas professionals focus on detecting and mitigating unauthorized drone threats, often working in security or defense settings. Drone Operators primarily pilot drones for various applications like filming or surveying. While both roles involve drones, Counter Uas roles emphasize security and threat mitigation, whereas Drone Operators focus on operation and data collection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counter-UAS Specialist, you need a solid background in electronics, radar systems, and security protocols, often supported by military or law enforcement experience and relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with counter-drone technologies, detection systems, and software for surveillance and threat assessment is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help you quickly assess threats and coordinate responses. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring airspace security and protecting critical infrastructure from unauthorized drone activity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) roles?

Professionals in Counter-UAS roles often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving drone technology and the need to quickly adapt to new threats. Staying updated with the latest detection and mitigation systems is crucial, as is maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, these roles typically require close collaboration with security teams, law enforcement, and technology vendors to develop effective response protocols and ensure robust protection. The dynamic nature of threats means ongoing training and situational awareness are essential for success in this field.

What are Counter UAS operators?

Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) operators are professionals trained to detect, identify, track, and mitigate threats posed by unauthorized or hostile drones. They use specialized technology and procedures to protect sensitive areas such as military installations, airports, and public events from drone incursions. Their responsibilities may include monitoring radar and sensor systems, assessing potential threats, and deploying countermeasures to neutralize drones safely. Counter UAS operators often work closely with security personnel and law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive protection against aerial threats.
More about Counter Uas jobs
What cities are hiring for Counter Uas jobs? Cities with the most Counter Uas job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Counter Uas jobs? The most popular types of Counter Uas jobs are:
What states have the most Counter Uas jobs? States with the most job openings for Counter Uas jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Counter Uas jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Counter Uas jobs are:
Infographic showing various Counter Uas 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.
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Cortek Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Washington, DC

Onsite

Cortek seeks a Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Response Portfolio within the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Response and Planning (WRP), Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), U.S. Department of State.

This position supports international efforts to strengthen partner nation capabilities to anticipate, counter, and respond to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats, including those involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents. The SME will provide technical expertise, strategic planning support, exercise development, and international engagement to advance U.S. national security interests and protect American personnel, facilities, and critical infrastructure abroad.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise on Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), including policy, regulations, operational concepts, technology, and international best practices to strengthen foreign government capabilities.

• Support implementation of Counter-UAS National Action Plans (NAPs) and related national strategies by assisting foreign governments with legal authorities, regulatory frameworks, airspace security, interdiction authorities, and law enforcement coordination.

• Conduct threat assessments, vulnerability analyses, and risk prioritization to support U.S. Government security assistance planning and international engagement efforts.

• Advise partner nations on UAS exploitation methodologies, including forensic examination and technical attribution of recovered UAS platforms to support evidence collection, threat characterization, attribution, and information sharing.

• Evaluate C-UAS technologies across the full detection, tracking, identification, and defeat (DTID) lifecycle, including RF, radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), acoustic, and emerging technologies.

• Analyze current and emerging UAS threats, including Group 1–3 systems, autonomous capabilities, swarming technologies, GNSS-denied navigation, payload delivery systems, and evolving operational trends.

• Provide objective, vendor-neutral technical recommendations regarding C-UAS technologies based on operational requirements, environmental conditions, and threat assessments.

• Design, develop, facilitate, and evaluate tabletop exercises (TTXs), workshops, senior leader seminars, and scenario-based discussions supporting international C-UAS preparedness.

• Develop exercise materials including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, inject packages, evaluation tools, After-Action Reports (AARs), and lessons learned documentation.

• Coordinate C-UAS initiatives across the Department of State, U.S. interagency partners, foreign governments, and international organizations to maximize the effectiveness of security assistance programming.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with foreign government officials to promote U.S. operational standards, legal frameworks, and technology adoption for C-UAS threat mitigation.

• Represent ACN/WRP during interagency meetings, international engagements, and technical working groups by providing C-UAS subject matter expertise.

• Prepare executive-level briefings, congressional correspondence, multimedia products, reports, and strategic communications supporting senior Department of State leadership.

• Be prepared for domestic and international travel in support of program activities.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance is required with SCI eligibility and a valid U.S. Passport.

• Master's degree with demonstrated expertise in Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), aviation security, defense technologies, military operations, homeland security, engineering, international security, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience supporting the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or other U.S. Government security assistance programs.

• Extensive knowledge of C-UAS strategy, policy, technology, operational planning, and regulatory frameworks.

• Experience evaluating UAS technologies, conducting threat assessments, and supporting technical or operational C-UAS programs.

• Experience designing, developing, and facilitating tabletop exercises, workshops, and senior leader engagements.

• Knowledge of U.S. legal, regulatory, and policy authorities governing airspace security and Counter-UAS operations.

• Experience engaging with foreign governments and international stakeholders on security cooperation initiatives.

• Strong analytical, research, and strategic planning capabilities with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience preparing executive briefings, Action Memoranda, briefing materials, congressional correspondence, and senior leader communications.

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple U.S. Government agencies and international partners.

• Familiarity with Department of State operations, foreign assistance programs, and interagency coordination processes is highly desired.

Clearance: An active Top Secret Clearance is required with SCI Eligibility. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

About CORTEK

Founded in 2003, CORTEK is a distinguished Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism prevention, Counter-WMD (CWMD) support services, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act support.

With over a decade of experience, CORTEK has delivered mission-critical solutions to government clients, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Defense (DoD), and other Federal agencies. Our proven track record includes more than 12 years supporting the Department of State's WMD threat mitigation, consequence management, and international security cooperation programs, as well as technical and strategic support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) across Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering, Policy, Operations, and emerging threat domains. CORTEK also provides subject matter expertise supporting international Counter-UAS initiatives, helping partner nations strengthen airspace security, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging technology capabilities.

At CORTEK, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, leveraging proven management processes to deliver tailored solutions that drive client success. Our focus on excellence, innovation, and competitive value throughout the project management lifecycle makes CORTEK a trusted partner. Curious to learn more? Visit us at CORTEK.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

CORTEK is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by hiring and retaining talented individuals from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, CORTEK complies with all applicable Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and posts notices outlining these protections in accordance with applicable regulations.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests

CORTEK is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation while applying for a position, please email hr@cortek.com or contact Human Resources at (727) 292-1521. Accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

E-Verify

As a Federal Contractor, CORTEK participates in the E-Verify program to confirm each employee's authorization to work legally in the United States.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination

CORTEK will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own