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Pilot Uav Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Test Pilot V

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$170.54K - $305.28K/yr

Responsible for the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot. * Perform as ...

ASTRION, INC.

UAS Pilot

Semmes, AL · On-site

Operates the UAV to include mission planning, mission sensor and payload operations, launching, remote piloting, and recovery of the aerial vehicle. * Prepares and conducts air reconnaissance ...

RedSky Engineering

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Drone R&D Test Pilot

Vineyard, UT · On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

Drone R&D Test Pilot We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-conscious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Pilot to lead developmental flight test operations for next-generation UAS platforms. This ...

PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy

Drone Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

Drone Pilot (UAS) - Construction & Surveying Trumbull Corporation Build your career from a new ... Plan and execute weekly drone missions using RTK-enabled UAV systems * Capture high-resolution ...

The Lindy Group

Drone Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

Drone Pilot (UAS) - Construction & Surveying Trumbull Corporation Build your career from a new ... Plan and execute weekly drone missions using RTK-enabled UAV systems * Capture high-resolution ...

Joby Aviation Inc.

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187.40K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187.40K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187.40K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test activities including test planning, test execution as pilot (both remote UAV and inhabited flight test), chase pilot, flight debriefs, and post-flight analysis and reporting

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How much do pilot uav jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot uav in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Pilot UAV job?

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 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.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a UAV Pilot?

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.
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Pilot Uav jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Uav job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Part Time. Highlights an 55% Physical, 40% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Test Pilot V

Test Pilot V

General Atomics

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$170.54K - $305.28K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Atomics rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
This position is responsible for serving as Supervisory Test Pilot, Instructor Test Pilot, and/or Flight Examiner. Subject matter expert for all aspects of the company's family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems to include aircraft hardware and software, ground control station hardware and software and operational and experimental ground and flight testing of company product line of aircraft. Ensures the standardization of company aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, flight test and instructional techniques. Primary consultant for executive management in all areas of company product line of aircraft development, flight test and operational mission planning and execution. Responsible for the safe operation of the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform as Experimental Test and Evaluation Pilot.
  • Perform as Instructor Test Pilot and company Flight Examiner.
  • Perform as Pilot-in-Command of Company Unmanned Air Vehicles.
  • Develops and executes mission planning, briefing, mission execution and debriefing.
  • Instruct UAV student pilots as well as instructor pilots-in-training in all aspects of UAV ground and flight operations including academic (platform instruction) and in-flight instruction.
  • Ensures compliance with all governing regulations including service guidance, company procedures and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations and company policies wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Expected to maintain a productive and safe working environment in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Consults directly with company engineering and senior management as subject matter expert in developing company product line of aircraft.
  • Develops and verifies procedures for use with new aircraft features.
  • Develops training syllabus courseware to include research, word processing and presentation development.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to a four-year technical degree and six or more years progressively complex aviation experience. Equivalent professional aviation experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
  • Must have a strong aviation background and demonstrate a complete understanding of technical principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Must have excellent organization skills including planning and coordinating work assignments.
  • Must possess:
    • FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
    • 2000 hours logged total pilot time including 1500 hours Pilot in Command, 500 hours Cross Country, 100 hours Instrument, and 500 hours in turbine aircraft.
    • Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on teamwork and verbal and written communication.
    • Ability to effectively interface with all levels of employees, as well as military and civilian customers.
    • Strong knowledge of computer applications and operations pertinent to the position.
    • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Highly Desirable:
    • Previous experience including Predator, UAV and/or Military aviator or military aviation.
    • FAA instructor rating (CFI) and (CFII) in manned aircraft.
    • Test pilot school graduate.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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