1

Isr Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Isr Pilot information

See Washington salary details

$11

$25

$34

How much do isr pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for isr pilot in Washington is $25.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ISR pilot?

ISR Pilots are specialized pilots responsible for operating aircraft equipped with Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. Their main role involves flying missions to collect real-time data and imagery to support military operations, security efforts, or intelligence gathering. ISR Pilots must be skilled in both piloting and operating complex surveillance equipment, and they often work with a team to analyze and share critical information gathered during flights. These pilots play a vital role in national security and situational awareness for various organizations.

What does an ISR pilot do?

As an ISR pilot, you are typically active in the military and work for private companies who contract with the military. Each mission is unique and often top secret. You are responsible for safely operating an aircraft, maintaining a diligent lookout, and using ground control station equipment. Your responsibilities and duties vary with each mission, but you must follow air traffic control clearances, assist with flight mission planning and briefings, use checklists and manuals, and follow all emergency and standard operating procedures. As an ISR pilot, operations may occur in the U.S., but it often takes place in foreign countries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ISR pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ISR Pilot, you need expertise in aviation, mission planning, and surveillance operations, typically backed by a commercial or military pilot license and specialized ISR training. Familiarity with advanced surveillance systems, sensor integration, and secure communication platforms is essential. Strong situational awareness, decision-making ability, and teamwork are critical soft skills for handling dynamic environments and collaborating with ground and air crews. These competencies ensure effective intelligence collection, mission success, and the safety of both personnel and assets.

What are some common challenges ISR pilots face when operating in dynamic environments?

ISR Pilots often encounter rapidly changing mission requirements, unpredictable weather, and evolving threats in the field. They must be adept at quickly interpreting intelligence data, adjusting flight plans on the fly, and maintaining clear communication with ground teams and command centers. Adaptability and strong situational awareness are crucial in ensuring mission success and safety. Additionally, ISR Pilots frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams, requiring effective collaboration and the ability to manage high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Isr Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectIsr PilotDrone Operator
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, military or civilian aviation certificationsRemote pilot certificate, drone-specific training
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, military or civilian airspaceGround control stations, various outdoor locations
Industry UsageMilitary surveillance, reconnaissance missionsAerial photography, surveying, security

While both roles involve aerial operations, Isr Pilots operate manned aircraft with extensive certifications and military or civilian aviation environments. Drone Operators control unmanned aerial vehicles remotely, often with different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aerial surveillance and reconnaissance fields.

What are popular job titles related to Isr Pilot jobs in Washington?

For Isr Pilot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Isr Pilot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,545 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

EUAS Pilot\/Technician

Knowledge Management, Inc

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Knowledge Management, Inc. (KMI) has the leadership and experience to deliver innovative technology, logistics and management solutions to meet real mission requirements. KMI is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) that specializes in Logistics, Warehouse Services, Distance Learning/Training, Enterprise Solutions, Financial Management Support, Program Management, Intelligence Analysis & Threat Assessment, and Data Analytics/Operations Research. Since 1998, our solutions and services have helped our clients improve performance, drive cost and operational effectives, and map technology needs for tomorrow's requirements.
Job Requisition: EUAS Pilot/Technician
Location: Washington, DC, and Maryland
Work Arrangement: Onsite / event-based; approximately 80% travel; potential 24/7 operational coverage
Salary Range: Please provide your salary requirement
Clearance: Top Secret
Certificate: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Positions/Start date: Up to 30 positions - start in October 2026
Relocation: Must relocate at your own expense
Program Overview
The CUSTOMER requires enhanced situational awareness and rapid response capabilities during protection events nationwide. The program provides Enhanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (EUAS) for persistent aerial ISR overwatch and rapid-response drone capability, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) for detection, tracking, and mitigation of unauthorized drone activity. Contractor personnel operate and sustain government-furnished EUAS/CUAS systems from CUSTOMER facilities and at protective sites, integrating operations with CUSTOMER command-and-control systems (including VIDTERRA and TAK). The number and type of systems and the level of contractor support for each event are determined by CUSTOMER based on the size of the protective site, event duration, protectee itineraries, and advance timeframe.
Position Summary
The EUAS Pilot/Technician deploys, operates, and recovers government-furnished UAS ISR and rapid-response platforms in support of CUSTOMER protection events, providing persistent aerial overwatch and real-time video, imagery, and sensor data to CUSTOMER operations centers. The Pilot maintains readiness for immediate launch, coordinates with CUSTOMER operational stakeholders, and ensures all flight activities comply with FAA Part 107, federal requirements, CUSTOMER directives, and safety standards. This is a full-time, event-based role requiring nationwide and international travel and the ability to support 24/7 operational coverage.
Key Responsibilities
  • Deploy, operate, and recover government-furnished UAS ISR platforms for continuous aerial surveillance of designated protection zones.
  • Operate mobile rapid-response UAS platforms equipped with high-resolution EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, and communications-relay payloads; maintain readiness for immediate launch (within 3 minutes of CUSTOMER request).
  • Provide real-time video, imagery, sensor data, and operational updates to CUSTOMER operations centers and designated stakeholders.
  • Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures to ensure safe, compliant, and effective operations in accordance with FAA Part 107 and CUSTOMER directives.
  • Must maintain current FAA Part 107 certification.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time, work in adverse weather, climb ladders, work on rooftops, and lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Support integration of UAS data feeds with CUSTOMER command-and-control infrastructure, including live video distribution via VIDTERRA and TAK.
  • Conduct interoperability testing with CUSTOMER IT staff prior to each event to validate connectivity, video distribution, and system integration.
  • Participate in protective advance planning meetings, pre-event briefings, and post-event debriefings with CUSTOMER stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of flight operations, incident logs, daily operational reports, and after-action inputs; keep FAA Part 107 and platform-specific certification/training records available for CUSTOMER inspection.
  • Complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course, EUAS Policy course, and platform-specific certifications as required.
  • Adhere to all CUSTOMER security protocols, information-handling requirements, and federal cybersecurity standards.
  • When not deployed on active missions, work from the National Capital Region (NCR) facility to service, maintain, and store equipment and complete required CUSTOMER training.
  • Support variable schedules and nationwide travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and 24/7 event coverage as required.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Ability to complete government-provided CUSTOMER Basic Operator Course and EUAS Policy course (offered on a rolling basis; training period not to exceed one month).
  • Experience operating UAS ISR and/or rapid-response platforms in ISR, surveillance, public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, military, federal, or private-sector/commercial mission environments. Candidates with current, substantial private-industry UAS operating experience are encouraged to apply; prior federal or law-enforcement experience is not required.
  • Experience conducting mission planning, pre-flight inspections, launch/recovery operations, flight monitoring, and post-flight documentation.
  • Experience operating UAS sensors/payloads such as EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging, live video streaming, mapping, or communications-relay systems.
  • Familiarity with airspace coordination, aviation safety practices, emergency procedures, weather considerations, and UAS operating limitations.
  • Ability to travel nationwide and internationally (approximately 80% travel) and support variable schedules, including 24/7 event coverage.
  • Strong communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated operational team in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience supporting CUSTOMER, federal protective services, law enforcement, military, or National Special Security Event (NSSE) operations.
  • Experience with VIDTERRA, TAK, secure video distribution, encrypted data transmission, or command-and-control integration.
  • Experience with larger ISR UAS platforms, mobile rapid-response platforms, or multi-platform operational deployments.
  • Platform-specific or manufacturer certifications, or military UAS operator training.
  • Active Top Secret clearance.

Performance Standards
  • 100% coverage during all designated protection periods.
  • Rapid-response launch within 3 minutes of CUSTOMER request.
  • Successful integration and operation with CUSTOMER systems (VIDTERRA and TAK) for every event.
  • Full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, federal law, CUSTOMER directives, and federal IT/cybersecurity standards.

Benefits: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefits programs:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance
  • Short and Long-term disability insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
E-Verify Statement. Knowledge Management, Inc. participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, KMI is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision. Knowledge Management, Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Disability Statement. If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation or assistance at any point in the application or onboarding process, please email us at .