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Pilot Uav Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Recruiter

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Join our dynamic team and play a key role in shaping the future of UAV technology. If you're passionate about aviation, skilled in piloting fixed-wing and multirotor platforms, and eager to work at ...

Production Line Setup Consultant

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Experience establishing a pilot, first-article or initial production line . Strong series ... Preferred Experience Experience within aircraft, UAV, aerospace or other complex low-volume ...

$100 - $125/hr

Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend ... Pilot's license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations Education: * Bachelor's degree in EE, CE ...

Showing results 21-31

Pilot Uav information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do pilot uav jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot uav in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pilot UAV?

A Pilot UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operates drones or remotely piloted aircraft for various missions, including aerial surveillance, mapping, military operations, and commercial applications. They are responsible for flight planning, navigation, monitoring aircraft performance, and complying with safety regulations. UAV pilots often work in defense, agriculture, law enforcement, or disaster response fields.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pilot UAV?

UAV Pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, conducting thorough equipment checks, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements before missions. Their daily work includes operating the UAV during aerial surveys, inspections, or data collection, and monitoring live feeds to ensure precise execution. After each mission, UAV Pilots must log flight data, maintain equipment, and often collaborate with project managers or engineers to interpret results. Many roles also require adapting to changing weather or mission priorities and working as part of a multidisciplinary team, making flexibility and communication important.

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

To thrive as a Pilot UAV, you need strong skills in remote piloting, situational awareness, and an understanding of aeronautical regulations, usually supported by a relevant license or certification such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with ground control stations, navigation software, and mission planning tools is essential. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient UAV operations in compliance with industry standards and mission goals.

Infographic showing various Pilot Uav job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer, Mechanical

Auterion

Arlington, VA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will work closely with Auterion's customers and partners to deploy and integrate our drone technology into their systems. This role focuses on the mechanical integration, design adaptation, and field deployment of UAV platforms and subsystems, while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.

You will combine hands-on mechanical engineering expertise with customer-facing project delivery, supporting clients through the full integration lifecycle-from initial system design and prototyping to testing and operational deployment. You will serve as a key technical interface between Auterion and customer engineering teams, ensuring reliable and scalable mechanical solutions that enable safe and effective drone operations.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Execute the mechanical integration of Auterion's hardware and UAV systems into customer platforms, including structural design, mounting solutions, payload integration, and environmental considerations.
  • Design, develop, and iterate mechanical components and assemblies using rapid prototyping techniques (e.g., CAD, 3D printing, machining), ensuring robustness, manufacturability, and performance in real-world conditions.
  • Support on-site deployments, testing, and validation of UAV systems, troubleshooting mechanical and electromechanical issues to ensure reliable operation in diverse environments.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers on mechanical engineering topics, providing guidance, resolving issues, and ensuring successful system integration and adoption.
  • Work closely with electrical, software, and product engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electronic, and control systems.
  • Develop and maintain clear documentation, including integration guides, mechanical drawings, assembly instructions, and best practices for customers and internal teams.
  • Support end-to-end implementation of Auterion's technology within customer applications, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and operational constraints.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in robotics, aerospace, UAVs, or similar hardware-focused industries.
  • Strong experience in mechanical design and prototyping, including CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar).
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication and assembly techniques (3D printing, machining, soldering, wiring, and integration of electromechanical systems).
  • Familiarity with integrating sensors, payloads, and embedded hardware into mechanical systems.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues in the field.
  • Experience working directly with customers or cross-functional stakeholders in a technical capacity.
  • Basic understanding of embedded systems, flight control hardware, or robotics platforms is a plus.
  • UAV/drone piloting experience and familiarity with flight control systems (e.g., PX4) is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel internationally and work in dynamic, field-based environments.
  • US Citizenship required, with eligibility to obtain clearances. 

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Benefits

  • Flexible working hours
  • Stock Options
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
  • Medical flex spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan - 401k with company match 
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.