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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Grand Forks, ND (NOW HIRING)

Instructor Sensor Operator

Grand Forks, ND · On-site

$27.50 - $37.50/hr

The sensor operator will also serve as a crewmember of the UAV, assisting the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) as directed for safe operation of the aircraft to include reading checklists, assisting in ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

Surveyor I

Crookston, MN · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

In this role, you will assist with field surveys and provide survey data essential for utility ... Willingness to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within two years of employment. Preferred

Surveyor I

Crookston, MN · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

In this role, you will assist with field surveys and provide survey data essential for utility ... Willingness to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within two years of employment. Preferred

... pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the ... As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful operation ...

Surveyor I

Crookston, MN · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

In this role, you will assist with field surveys and provide survey data essential for utility ... Willingness to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within two years of employment. Preferred

New

... pilots. With extensive training in radar and air traffic communications, this rate is one of the ... As an Air Traffic Controller, you can command the skies. RESPONSIBILITIES The successful operation ...

Drone Pilot In Command information

See Grand Forks, ND salary details

$51.4K

$136K

$208.8K

How much do drone pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Grand Forks, ND is $136,023.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $161,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone pilot in command?

A Drone Pilot In Command (PIC) is the individual legally responsible for the operation and safety of a drone flight. This person oversees the entire mission, makes operational decisions, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations. The PIC must hold the appropriate certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S. They are also responsible for pre-flight planning, assessing risks, maintaining communication, and responding to emergencies. Ultimately, the Drone Pilot In Command ensures all aspects of the drone operation are conducted safely and legally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot in command?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling unexpected situations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and successful drone missions across diverse industries.

What are the common challenges faced by a drone pilot in command when operating in diverse environments?

As a Drone Pilot In Command, you may frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, complying with evolving airspace regulations, and coordinating with on-site teams in unfamiliar or complex locations. Each environment—urban, rural, or industrial—presents unique obstacles, like signal interference or restricted access. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to ensure safe and successful operations in any setting.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot In Command vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot In CommandDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMay also hold Part 107 or other certifications, but less emphasis on command authority
Work EnvironmentResponsible for flight operations, safety, and compliance during drone missionsAssists with drone setup, data collection, and post-flight tasks
Employer & IndustryCommercial drone services, aerial photography, surveying, inspectionSupport roles within the same industries, often working under the Pilot In Command

The main difference is that the Drone Pilot In Command holds the legal responsibility for drone flights, including safety and compliance, while the Drone Operator typically assists with operational tasks. Both roles often work together, but the Pilot In Command has the final authority and accountability during flights.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Grand Forks, ND?

For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Grand Forks, ND, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Grand Forks, ND look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Grand Forks, ND are:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Grand Forks, ND as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,023 per year, or $65.4 per hour.

Staff Pilot Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Emerado, ND

$168K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test & Evaluation organization. This position is located in Emerado, North Dakota.

This UAS Pilot will support developmental test and production acceptance flights for the RQ-4 Range Hawk program.

Key Responsibilities:

Defines test plans, organizes and executes complex flight programs and flight test events in accordance with military, FAA and ICAO procedures as applicable

Conduct briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies

Conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities as required

Travel to test or customer sites as required

Selected candidate must successfully complete RQ-4 UAS training and qualification as a basis for continued employment

We offer a 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelors degree and 12 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities OR a Masters degree and 10 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities OR a Doctorate degree and 8 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities

Must have experience as a flight operations crew member

Flight test experience

Must be commercial instrument rated pilot (FAA or military equivalent), with current FAA Class II Medical or better.

Must have a minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command and able to maintain instrument currency in manned aircraft

Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance

Must be willing to maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics

Current type rating as a pilot on RQ-4 aircraft

Test Pilot School graduate

Military flight experience

Aviation instructor experience

Active US Government Secret Clearance or higher

What We Offer:

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, and a great 401K matching program.

Primary Level Salary Range: $168,200.00 - $252,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939