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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Drone Pilot In Command information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$46.8K

$123.8K

$190K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in command in Tucson, AZ is $123,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $146,500.00 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 Tucson, AZ?

For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:

Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in Tucson, AZ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,778 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

AATC Cybersecurity Systems Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$54.25 - $66.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

MTSI is seeking a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer who will be responsible for supporting and reporting on the cyber resilience of systems in the fast-paced, streamlined flight test environment of the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in Tucson, AZ. Candidate will perform cyber security related test support for the latest Air Reserve Component (ARC) operational flight programs across platforms and weapon systems. Your efforts will enable the integration and operation of these new systems for test events and eventual technology transition. You will directly support AATC in Tucson, AZ.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
  • Serve as an on-site Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert for AATC in Tucson, AZ, providing expert technical guidance to secure advanced aviation platforms and related weapon systems against adversarial threats.
  • Participate in AATC's Concept Reviews, Test Kickoffs, and other relevant meetings and processes related to cybersecurity within the test center to provide cybersecurity SME support and act in specific cyber roles (e.g., ISSM) as needed.
  • Lead and execute the Authorization Official's Authorization to Operate (ATO) process (typically Aircraft AO), ensuring critical weapon systems and aircraft modifications meet stringent security baselines prior to operational tests and deployment. Manage external cyber surge teams as required.
  • Drive the implementation, assessment, and continuous monitoring of the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 security and privacy controls across complex, embedded weapon system architectures in various security levels.
  • As needed, conduct comprehensive threat modeling and vulnerability analyses utilizing the Mission-based Risk Assessment Process for Cyber (MRAP-C) and Mission Based Cyber Risk Assessment (MBCRA) methodologies to evaluate mission impact and prioritize system survivability.
  • Design, plan, and execute rigorous operational cybersecurity test events in strict adherence to Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) requirements, ensuring platforms can operate effectively in highly contested cyber environments. Manage certified and other cyber test teams (e.g., 48th, 177th, industry teams).
  • Collaborate with test directors, systems engineers, program managers, and other relevant stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity requirements and survivability assessments seamlessly into broader operational test and evaluation (OT&E) plans.
  • Translate complex cybersecurity test findings into actionable recommendations for military leadership and program offices, effectively communicating cyber risks to aircraft operations and mission lethality.
  • Understand the operation and tactical applications of Air Reserve Component (ARC) systems and their interfaces with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve aircraft and systems as the candidate will operate in fast paced teams of industry, government and military personnel consisting of engineers, analysts, scientists, pilots, and aircrew.
  • Directly support AATC in the development of advanced combat systems from cradle to grave in an independent, high-energy environment and will operate in multidisciplinary teams of industry, government and military personnel consisting of engineers, analysts, scientists, pilots and other aircrew.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 10 years working in avionics and/or cybersecurity.
  • Minimum 5 years working in weapon systems/avionics cybersecurity as an ISSM, ISSO, or ISSE.
  • IAM or IAT Level 3 cyber certification (e.g., CISSP, CISM, or equivalent).
  • Experience with DoD COMSEC management.
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills, and the ability to work in a team environment while demonstrating excellent leadership and customer interaction.
  • Strong analytic skills and be capable of operating in a multi-tasking environment.
  • Possess a can-do attitude and be self-starting, ambitious, and hard-working.
  • Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience with aircraft systems/software test and development to include test provisioning/scheduling, test execution, data analysis, and reporting.
  • Related Program Office experience driving cyber approval processes.
  • Experience networking with Authorizing Officials (AO) and Security Control Assessors (SCA) to identify programmatic barriers and facilitate approvals.

Education Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in technical discipline, preferably in cybersecurity engineering or computer science.

Clearance Requirements:
  • Active Secret security clearance required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility and meet requirements for Special Access Programs (SAP).

Travel Requirements:
  • Travel is expected approximately every month with periodic, mostly intraweek trips to support AATC projects. Up to 25% travel, depending on program workload and project location.

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