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Mq 9 Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The UAS Pilot III will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all phases ...

The UAS Pilot III will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all phases ...

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and/or OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all ...

The UAS Pilot II will act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9A aircraft and provide safe operation of the aircraft in CONUS and/or OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities: * Participate in all ...

$56.50/hr

Assist pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of aircraft payloads, sensors and communications equipment in CONUS and OCONUS locations. Essential Responsibilities:

MQ-9 SENSOR OPERATOR

Havelock, NC · Remote

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

MQ-9 Sensor Operator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Summary: Titan Echelon is seeking an MQ-9 ... Sensor operators will work with the Pilots on all elements of mission planning and execution to ...

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

MQ-9 Sensor Operator JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Sensor ... Assist pilot through all phases of employment to include test planning, flight operations ...

Must have flying experience (pilot or sensor) within the past seven (7) years and a minimum of 500 flying hours with the MQ-9 aircraft . Desired Experience: Instructor experience and 1000 hours in ...

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Mq 9 Pilot information

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$54K

$113.1K

$199.5K

How much do mq 9 pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for mq 9 pilot in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mq 9 Pilot vs Mq 9 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator?

AspectMq 9 PilotMq 9 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator
CertificationsFAA Pilot License, Military Pilot CertificationUAS Operator Certification, Military UAS Training
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, military bases, flight operationsControl stations, command centers, remote locations
Job ResponsibilitiesFlying, navigating, and operating the Mq 9 aircraftOperating and managing unmanned systems remotely

The Mq 9 Pilot is responsible for flying and navigating the aircraft, requiring pilot certifications and in-flight duties. In contrast, the Mq 9 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator manages the drone remotely, focusing on control and mission execution without physical flight responsibilities. Both roles are essential in military operations but differ mainly in physical flight versus remote operation.

More about Mq 9 Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Mq 9 Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Mq 9 Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Mq 9 Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Mq 9 Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mq 9 Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mq 9 Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mq 9 Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,105 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Pilot II

Albers Aerospace

Yuma, AZ • On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Our core competencies include systems engineering, program management, logistics, production support, aircraft maintenance, and aviation/aerospace services. We were founded in 2015 and since our establishment, we have been attracting the best talent in our fields of interest enabling us to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to our warfighters. We understand and provide expert consultation on weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs. We know defense and we know aircraft systems.
Albers Aerospace is seeking a candidate for a Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot to support USMC aviation operations. This job is in Yuma, Arizona and the candidate must reside/relocate or deploy to Yuma, AZ.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Act as pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe Launch and Recovery operations of aircraft.
  • Participate in all phases of flight to include planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
  • Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Provides expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft. Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
  • Plans and performs a wide range of in-process analog, digital, microwave, optical and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
  • Technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS.
  • This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment manufacturer.
  • Ultimately, technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing the risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground any more than the integration of comparable new and novel technologies

Note: The duties and responsibilities described on this document are not necessarily a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Required Qualifications:
  • Qualified C-Band Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot or previously qualified Launch and Recovery MQ-9 Pilot (Form 8 within last 3 years)
  • Must have at least 200 hours as MQ-9 Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
  • Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate or DoD equivalent
  • Must have the ability to travel in CONUS
  • Maintaining a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required
  • Prior DoD pilot training, specifically the USAF's Undergraduate Pilot Training, or USA, USN, USMC, or USCG equivalent fixed wing training program
  • Bachelor Degree (maybe substituted for experience)

or
  • Initial Formal Training Upgrade (IFTU) training in the MQ-9 via the 18X pipeline or the following FAA certificate/rating: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating
  • For non-military pilots, copies of: Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating and Instrument-Airplane Rating or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Category Rating

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MQ-9 Launch and Recovery Instructor/Evaluator Pilot experience
  • 500 MQ-9 flight hours
  • Last flight within 180 days

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to lift 40 pounds and carry without assistance

Reasonable Accommodations
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What We Offer:
Teammates at Albers Aerospace receive a robust benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision plans, matching 401k, 10 days of PTO the first year and 15 after that, 11 holidays, employer paid term life, AD&D, long and short-term disability, and education and certification reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor 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)
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

The pay range for this role is:
70 - 75 USD per hour (Global Deployer- YUMA)