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Government Uav Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tycho.AI, Inc.

UAV Flight Test Lead

Cambridge, MA · On-site

... systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use ... S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process #J-18808-Ljbffr

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

... government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works closely with ... Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery.

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

... government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works closely with ... Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery.

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

... government, defense, and commercial customers. The Director of Operations works closely with ... Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery.

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Government Uav Operator information

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How much do government uav operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for government uav operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Government UAV Operator?

A Government UAV Operator is responsible for piloting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military, law enforcement, or other government agencies. Their duties may include surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, or tactical missions. Operators must be trained in UAV systems, flight regulations, and data collection procedures. They often work in high-pressure environments and may need security clearance. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and adherence to strict government protocols.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Government UAV Operator?

A Government UAV Operator's day often includes mission planning, pre-flight inspections, remotely piloting UAVs according to strict protocols, and troubleshooting technical issues mid-flight. Operators routinely gather and analyze aerial data, create reports, and sometimes collaborate with analysts or team members from other departments such as law enforcement or emergency response. While much of the work is field-based, there are regular briefings, documentation tasks, and compliance checks to ensure operational and regulatory standards are met. This role requires adaptability as mission objectives and environments can change with little notice, making each day varied and dynamic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government UAV Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government UAV Operator, you generally need a strong background in aviation, remote piloting, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant security clearance. Proficiency with flight planning software, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control systems, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and effective communication skills help operators excel in high-pressure and team-oriented environments. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, accurate, and compliant UAV missions in support of governmental operations.

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Government Uav Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Uav Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

UAV Flight Test Lead

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Tycho AI, Inc
See more jobs at Tycho AI, Incexternal

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Tycho.AI
Tycho.AI is redefining the future of autonomous intelligence. Spun out of MIT and backed by DoD contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.
Flight test is where our autonomy stack meets the real world. As UAV Flight Test Lead, you will plan and own the campaigns that take our aircraft from bench and simulation to fielded capability. If you want to run flight testing at the cutting edge of autonomy and robotics, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities
  • Own coordination with software and hardware teams to align test objectives, and deliver vehicle and personnel availability, range access, and efficient execution of flight tests.
  • Translate company strategic goals into concrete flight test plans and outcomes.
  • Track flight test campaign progress and maintain fleet and test team readiness and efficiency.
  • Plan, attend and lead flight tests in the field - this is an in-person, in-field position with the expectation of being physically present during most flight tests.
  • Author, review, and approve flight test plans, hazard analyses, test cards and reports.
  • Coordinate with authorities to ensure compliance with FAA regulations (Part 107, waivers), military range requirements, and internal safety management protocols.
  • Establish telemetry and data pipelines for post-flight analysis, and lead root-cause investigations when anomalies or structural failures occur.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Willingness to work in the field a majority of the time: travel to test sites, early mornings, variable weather, and hands-on time with vehicles.
  • Hands-on, system-level flight test experience. Demonstrated ownership of formal test design/planning and documentation - flight test plans, hazard analyses, and post-test reporting.
  • Active FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, or the ability to obtain one prior to or shortly after start date. Experience with BVLOS waivers, COA processes, or military test range coordination.
  • Comfortable in Linux and experienced with flight software, like PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS2, QGroundControl, or similar.
  • Proficiency with flight instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with Git, Jira, and collaborative engineering practices.
Nice to Have:
  • Experience testing in GPS-denied, degraded, or contested RF environments.
  • Background in GNC, sensor fusion, aircraft design, or robotics.
  • Software development experience and/or skilled in C/C++ and/or Python.
Why Tycho.AI
  • Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.
  • Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.
  • Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
Tycho.AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify and Right to Work
Tycho AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process

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