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Ground Control Station Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grex Defense, Inc.

$14 - $18/hr

You'll develop the ground control station -- command, telemetry, mission planning, and situational awareness -- that operators rely on in the field. Own user-facing software that has to work under ...

New

Pae

Avionics Technician II, MQ-9 (Kaneohe Bay, HI)

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$28.50 - $37.25/hr

The USMC MQ-9 CLS Technician is a qualified and skilled aircraft electronics and/or Ground Control Station technician with experience in troubleshooting multiple electronics systems both aircraft and ...

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Ground Control Station Technician information

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How much do ground control station technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground control station technician in the United States is $24.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ground control station technician?

Ground Control Station Technicians are professionals responsible for maintaining, operating, and troubleshooting ground control stations that manage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. They ensure that all communication, navigation, and control systems function properly, enabling safe and effective UAV operations. Their work may involve performing routine maintenance, software updates, and responding to technical issues during drone missions. Ground Control Station Technicians often collaborate with pilots, engineers, and mission planners to ensure smooth UAV operations. This role is critical in industries like defense, agriculture, and surveying where UAVs are heavily utilized.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ground control station technician?

To thrive as a Ground Control Station Technician, you need a solid background in electronics, troubleshooting, and computer networking, often supported by an associate degree or relevant military training. Familiarity with specialized ground control station software, RF systems, and maintenance protocols is essential, and certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ can be highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the reliable operation and safety of unmanned systems in mission-critical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by ground control station technicians and how can they be addressed?

Ground Control Station Technicians often face challenges such as troubleshooting complex technical issues under time pressure, maintaining accurate communication with flight teams, and ensuring system reliability during critical operations. Staying updated with the latest software and hardware updates is essential, as is developing strong problem-solving skills. Collaborating closely with engineers, pilots, and other technicians can help quickly resolve issues and maintain smooth operations. Proactive maintenance and thorough documentation also play key roles in minimizing unexpected problems.

What is the difference between Ground Control Station Technician vs Drone Pilot?

AspectGround Control Station TechnicianDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107, technical certificationsFAA Part 107, remote pilot certificate
Work EnvironmentGround-based, technical settings, control stationsIn-flight, outdoor, operational flying
Job FocusMaintaining, troubleshooting control systemsFlying, operating drones, mission execution

While both roles involve UAVs, Ground Control Station Technicians focus on maintaining and troubleshooting control systems on the ground, whereas Drone Pilots operate the drones during flights. Both require FAA Part 107 certification, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Ground Control Station Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Ground Control Station Technician job openings:

What states have the most Ground Control Station Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ground Control Station Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ground Control Station Technician jobs?

For Ground Control Station Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ground Control Station Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,826 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Ground Control Station Technician (GCS)

Fort Walton Beach, FL • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Leidosexternal

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Continue Your Legacy of Service-with Purpose, Precision, and Impact. You've already stood the watch. You know what it means to protect and serve. At Leidos, your military experience becomes your most valuable asset in a civilian career where the mission still matters.

Leidos has supported the nation's defense, health, and engineering initiatives-delivering innovative solutions where they're needed most. Now we're looking for mission-ready veterans to join us as Ground Control Station (GCS) Technicians in a one-of-a-kind Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operations Facility.

This role empowers you to continue defending America and enhancing global safety, using the skills you honed in uniform.

Your Objective: Operational Readiness

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair RPA Ground Control Stations with the same precision and reliability you brought to the field.
  • Install and configure critical IT systems, communications tools, and mission-enhancing hardware/software.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, respond to evolving mission demands, and adapt systems on the fly.
  • Execute maintenance duties in accordance with Air Force Technical Orders (TOs), ensuring clean documentation in IMDS and proper crew debriefs.

This is a 24/7/365 rotating shift environment-perfect for those accustomed to high-tempo operations and unwavering commitment.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree and 3+ years in aircraft avionics, SATCOM, or ground station maintenance. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Familiarity with C5ISR concepts, strong problem-solving and diagnostics ability, and a team-first mentality.
  • Comfortable reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, and working with electronics.
  • Able to lift heavy gear and thrive in hands-on environments.
  • TOP SECRET SCI clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience maintaining Reaper aircraft or GCS systems, especially at the organizational level.
  • Proficiency in Linux, multi-user systems, and Security+ certified to meet DoD 8570.01 standards.

At Leidos, we don't just hire veterans-we empower them. Your operational experience, resilience, and integrity set you apart. We'll give you the mission. You'll bring the meaning.

EIO2024

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:August 5, 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 $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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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