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Drone Pilot Military Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and compliance with ... Support the development of sustainment-ready military UAS by providing product feedback to the ...

FAA Pilot License or US Military Rating as Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, or Maintenance Examiner in rotary wing aircraft and/or Part 107 drone operationsEffective communication skillsExcellent Pilot ...

FAA Pilot License or US Military Rating as Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, or Maintenance Examiner in rotary wing aircraft and/or Part 107 drone operations * Effective communication skills * Excellent ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

Military Affairs Working Title: UAS Pilot - 62000496 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number ... The Drone Operations Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and ...

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Drone Pilot Military information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do drone pilot military jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot military in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone pilot military?

A military drone pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, and intelligence missions. They control drones remotely, analyze real-time data, and coordinate with ground forces to support military operations. Drone pilots undergo specialized training in aviation, navigation, and weapons systems. This role is critical for modern warfare, providing strategic and tactical advantages while minimizing risk to personnel.

What does a drone pilot military do?

A typical day for a military drone pilot involves pre-mission briefings, conducting flight and equipment checks, remotely piloting unmanned aircraft for surveillance or reconnaissance missions, and monitoring live data feeds. Drone pilots often collaborate closely with intelligence analysts, mission planners, and command personnel to relay critical information and adapt to changing mission parameters. After each mission, they document operational outcomes and debrief with their team. The role can involve irregular hours, including nights and weekends, particularly during active missions or deployments. This dynamic environment requires adaptability, strong teamwork, and consistent focus on safety and mission objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone pilot military position?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot Military, you need comprehensive knowledge of aviation principles, strong spatial awareness, decision-making abilities, and a relevant military or FAA certification. Experience with remote piloting systems, surveillance equipment, and mission planning software is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission success, operational safety, and effective teamwork in high-stakes environments.

How hard is it to become a military drone pilot?

Becoming a military drone pilot requires meeting specific military enlistment criteria, completing basic training, and then undergoing specialized flight training for unmanned aerial systems. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical and background checks, and develop skills in operating drone technology and understanding aviation protocols. The process is competitive and involves rigorous training and certification requirements.

How much do military drone pilots make?

Military drone pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and location. They often require specialized training and security clearances, and may receive additional benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare.
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Infographic showing various Drone Pilot Military job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Chief UAS Pilot

Heven AeroTech

Sterling, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Title: Chief UAS Pilot
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
Reports To: U.S. President of Operations
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart-those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.

Role Summary:
The Chief Unmanned System Pilot at Heven AeroTech is responsible for developing and managing the drone program across the United States and among the defense, public safety and commercial sectors. This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring safe and effective use of UAVs. The Chief Pilot will also act as the primary pilot and aviation technical advisor, collaborating with various departments to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the Heven AeroTech United States Drone program in collaboration with our overseas offices.
  • Oversee all drones, drone pilots, programs, and training for the United States.
  • Work with supply chain management to source NDAA compliant parts and materials for our portfolio of UAVs in compliance with Cyber Security and logistics requirements.
  • Register all drones and collaborate with insurance and the FAA and other regulatory authorities.
  • Act as the authorized primary pilot and aviation technical advisor, including all associated support equipment (Ground Control Station, hydrogen generation equipment, etc.)
  • Develop, implement, and manage the training program for drone pilots and ground crew.
  • Conduct initial and refresher training for pilots and ground crew.
  • Administer final qualification checks and oversee continuation training for personnel.
  • Monitor and maintain flight crew records and qualifications in compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Certify training pilots to train customer pilots on flight operations for Part 107 operations.
  • Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test reports and/or summaries after flight.
  • Develop and manage all necessary flight and maintenance logbooks across all flight and Ground Support Equipment platforms and teams.
  • Become intimately familiar with all areas of the product portfolio to include Air Vehicles (operations and maintenance), Ground Control Stations and associated software/user interfaces, and all Ground Support Equipment.
  • Support the development of sustainment-ready military UAS by providing product feedback to the engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

  • At least five years practical experience with secure radio frequency (RF) or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and satellite communication (SATCOM)
  • At least five years' of payload experience with EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging sensors, LiDAR, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and communication relays.
  • A minimum of 1500 hours of total flight time on a multi-rotor system as the PIC with at least 40 take-offs and landings within the previous 90 days.
  • Experience with Group II and/or Group III fixed wing UAS.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Self-motivated and disciplined.
  • Experience in developing, writing, or maintaining programs and systems.
  • Experience in training delivery and development.
  • Ability to organize and maintain registrations, insurance, certifications, and training records.
  • FAA licensed with at least a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a Class II medical certificate.

Preferred:

  • Experience deploying and leading UAS teams in hostile threat environments.
  • Practical experience working with the DoD or law enforcement (federal, state or local) with the deployment of unmanned systems

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to travel 50% of the time, CONUS and OCONUS.
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays.
  • Paid personal and maternity/parental leaves.
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Budgeted Salary Range:

$125,000-$200,000 USD