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Day Uav Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to ... days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as ...

Leidos

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to ... days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as ...

Skydweller

Payload Integration Lead

Mineral Springs, NC · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

Experience with real-time operating systems * Working knowledge of RF communication links and ... Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) * Unmanned Air System (UAS) * Ground Control System (GCS) Please Note

Covered 6 LLC

Be Seen First

UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Troubleshoot UAV systems, payload equipment, and software issues * Maintain visual line of sight ... Experience operating DJI and Autel UAV platforms * Knowledge of FAA airspace regulations and drone ...

Aerotek

Drone Assembler

Atlanta, GA

$25 - $34/hr

This role requires standing throughout the day and assembling parts and sub-assemblies using small ... This position is bench level production of UAV, payload systems, electrical systems, airframes, and ...

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All JobsDay Uav Payload Operator Jobs

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How much do day uav payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for day uav payload operator in the United States is $25.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Day Uav Payload Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDay Uav Payload OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, payload-specific trainingFAA Part 107 or equivalent, flight operation certification
Work EnvironmentControlled environments, focusing on payload deployment and data collectionVarious environments, including outdoor and remote areas, focusing on flying the drone
Employer & IndustrySurveying, agriculture, inspection companiesMedia, real estate, construction, inspection services

The main difference is that a Day Uav Payload Operator specializes in managing and deploying payloads like cameras or sensors, while a Drone Pilot primarily focuses on flying and navigating the drone. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

More about Day Uav Payload Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Day Uav Payload Operator jobs? Cities with the most Day Uav Payload Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Uav Payload Operator jobs? The most popular types of Uav Payload Operator jobs are:
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Day Uav Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Uav Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 10% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,433 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Payload Operator

Payload Operator

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services

Job description

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to obtain Polygraph clearance. Candidates who do not currently possess a TS/SCI clearance will not be considered. This is a hands-on, direct command and control of a high priority intelligence collection sensor. Candidate will perform as an integral part of a collaborative intelligence collection operations cell while being the team's collection sensor expert. Candidate will collaborate with internal & external ops cell SMEs to design and implement collection missions against high priority intelligence targets. Additionally, candidate will verify and transmit all system commands to the operational payload; possess a thorough understanding of how specific commanding actions effect the greater mission objectives.
EXPERIENCE Required: A BS and approximately 8 years of SIGINT/geolocation operations experience with 4 years of specific sensor operations supporting an intelligence collection management mission area. Desired: Approximately 6 years of direct payload operations experience with approximately 4-7 years experience supporting a legacy intelligence collection sensor. EDUCATION Required: Formal training in advanced signal analysis or processing or other associated technical field Desired: Bachelors degree in a technical field with emphasis in advanced signal analysis or processing. SKILLS Required: a) Proficient in command and control procedures via remote links, as well as, the end-to-end intelligence collection mission planning and execution cycle b) Ability to maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; familiar with intelligence collection methods and infrastructure Desired: a) Ability to quickly identify and characterize previously unidentified intelligence problems and then configure and operate the collection sensor to successfully collect against the new problems. b) Extensive knowledge of known and emerging land-based, airborne and shipborne signal emitters
SECURITY CLEARANCE Required: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph OTHER Position Location: Northern VA area; Travel Required: Other special: Non standard shift work will be required; willingness and ability to obtain a TS/SCI with additional Polygraph is necessary.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 4, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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