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Remote Unmanned Aerial System Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer

Centreville, VA ยท On-site +1

$113K - $136K/yr

From providing boutique technical solutions in support of the DOD Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems ... Schedules (Remote / Hybrid) - - Medical / Dental / Vision / Flexible Spending Account (FSA ...

Communication Strategist II

Hampton, VA ยท On-site +1

$75K - $82K/yr

Its work supports technology transfer, economic development, and joint research in emerging air mobility, remote sensing, advanced space systems, unmanned aircraft, and small scientific payloads. Key ...

GENERAL ENGINEER

Quantico, VA ยท On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... Unmanned, Command/Control) -Armor and Fire Support Systems (i.e., Expeditionary Fires Support ...

GENERAL ENGINEER

Stafford, VA ยท On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... MAGTF C2, Air Defense, Radar, Unmanned, Command/Control) - Armor and Fire Support Systems (i.e.

SUPERVISORY GENERAL ENGINEER

Stafford, VA ยท On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... MAGTF C2, Air Defense, Radar, Unmanned, Command/Control) - Armor and Fire Support Systems (i.e.

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Remote Unmanned Aerial System information

What is a remote unmanned aerial system?

A Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) refers to a set of components including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, and the remote control equipment used to operate it. UAS are operated without a pilot onboard and can be controlled remotely or flown autonomously with pre-programmed flight plans. These systems are widely used in various industries such as agriculture, construction, surveillance, and photography for tasks that require aerial data or observation. Remote UAS offer the advantage of accessing hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently while providing high-quality imagery and data. Operators must often comply with regulatory requirements and safety guidelines depending on their region and the type of use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote unmanned aerial system operator?

To thrive as a Remote Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operator, you need expertise in aviation principles, remote piloting skills, and a relevant certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, UAS control systems, GPS navigation, and data processing tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe operations, regulatory compliance, and the successful collection and interpretation of aerial data.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals operating remote unmanned aerial systems, and how can they be addressed?

Operators of Remote Unmanned Aerial Systems often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness, managing technical malfunctions, and adhering to evolving regulations. Working remotely may require enhanced communication with team members to ensure mission objectives are met and safety protocols are followed. Staying up-to-date with the latest UAS technology, regularly participating in training, and fostering clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders can help address these challenges and contribute to successful operations.

What is the difference between Remote Unmanned Aerial System vs Remote Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Unmanned Aerial SystemRemote Drone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 Certification, Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Certification, Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentField operations, data analysis, system maintenanceRemote control, flight planning, data collection
Industry UsageAgriculture, surveying, inspection, filmmakingReal estate, media, inspection, agriculture

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating remotely controlled drones. The Remote Unmanned Aerial System typically encompasses broader responsibilities, including system management and data analysis, while the Remote Drone Operator focuses mainly on piloting and data collection. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job expectations and required skills in the drone industry.

Is there an online degree in unmanned aerial systems?

Yes, several universities and colleges offer online degree programs in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including bachelor's and master's degrees in related fields such as aerospace, robotics, or drone technology. These programs often include coursework in flight operations, regulations, and data analysis, preparing students for roles like remote UAS operators or technicians.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia?

For Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Unmanned Aerial System jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Unmanned Aerial System job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Unmanned Aerial System job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer (Remote)

Technology Service Corporation (TSC)

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

TSC is seeking a remote based Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer that will design, integrate, test, and deliver flight control systems or mission-critical onboard software for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The ideal candidate will have experience in UAS Guidance, Navigation, & Control (GNC) utilizing inertial navigation, vision, collision avoidance, commercial autopilots, redundancy management and path planning architecture. The GNC Engineer will participate hands-on in the full software life cycle, from concept through implementation, integration to flight test and operational release. This will be a remote based position with up to 25% travel required.

AsaGNCEngineer you can anticipate some of your day-to-day responsibilities to include:

  • Work on a team to develop, modify and tuneguidance andcontrol systems for fixed wing aircraft
  • Work on a team to develop, modify and tune navigation systems based on sensor fusion of 6-DOF IMU, magnetometer, GNSS, pressure andrangingsensors.
  • Work on a team to develop and modify 6-DOF and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation environments
  • Simulation, analysis, control, and testing on 6 degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion platform for development and validation of autonomous UAS.
  • Work on a team to design and develop flight or mission-critical onboard software for unmanned systems
  • Aid development for unmanned aerospace includes guidance, navigation & control, mission sequencing, payload control, redundancy and contingency management, uplink and downlink packet encoding and decoding, converting between different serial protocols, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, ground-based GUIs, and aircraft subsystem control (i.e., payload, electrical systems)
  • Embedded Software development (C/C++, Python, shell scripts)

Writing/modifyingsoftware to adjust flight behaviors:

  • Usedevelopmenttools such as: JIRA, git, C/C++,CMake, Linux,MATLAB
  • Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary software team on large, multi-language projects
  • Participating in code reviews, Flight Testing, and Customer Presentations
  • Bench test, Hardware-in-the-loop,and field testing of UAS platforms
  • Local, interstate, and international travel to support field testing and customer demonstrations. Expected travel is ~10-25%.
  • Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (Systems, Software, Mechanical, Electrical) in planning, design and development of systems to ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility
  • Design software architecture, interfaces, and gateways for communication with external Autonomy software services. Implement functionality using a model-based approach.
  • Software verification and validation including writing Test Cases and Test Procedures
  • Develop, implement, and document data and software application test plans to validate project deliverables meet quality standards
  • Oversee and support processes and procedures for existing data and reporting activities to support internal and external customer deliverables.
  • Examples of specific deliverables include but are not limited to: recurring reports and analyses; data validation and documentation
  • Interface and derive solutions in coordination with hardware design teams

Required Qualifications

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls engineering or other relevant discipline, plus at minimum 12 years of experience in a professional environment developing MATLAB / Simulink control systems with auto code experience; or MS in Controls or Aerospace Engineering plus 2 years' experience. Embedded code experience preferred.
  • US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • Experience in developing physics based 6 DOF simulations, motion platforms.
  • Experience developing with: Gazebo or similar simulation tools, MatlabMATLAB/Simulink, C, C++, Python
  • Experience developing scripts to run batch processes
  • Experience in data post processing from simulation or flight testing, report summary writing
  • Experience developing guidance and autonomy algorithms required; in denied environments preferred

Preferred Experience

Minimum two years of demonstrated, hands-on professional experience in at least one (ideally a combination) of the following areas:

  • Model-based design and/or test using the Simulink/Stateflow tool chain.
  • Software development in a relevant subject matter area: Aircraft Guidance Navigation & Control or other robotic system guidance, navigation and control; ground- or airborne mission systems; general aerospace flight control or cockpit avionics systems; ground stations; payload control.
  • Development/operations of hardware-in-the-loop simulators, conducting testing and troubleshooting of HW/SW interfaces.
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools, version control systems, defect tracking tools, and peer review required.

TSC Benefits: TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including ESOP participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more.

Applying to TSC: Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.


This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
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.