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Remote Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performance Drone Works

Solutions Engineer

Familiarity with developing and implementing CONOPS for unmanned systems. * FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with proven operational experience. * Advanced knowledge of UAS hardware, software ...

New

SAIC

Systems Engineer Principal - MBSE

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $160K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a cleared MBSE Systems ... unmanned systems and unmanned payloads • INCOSE ASEP/CSEP • Familiarity with Scaled Agile ...

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Remote Unmanned Systems information

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How much do remote unmanned systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote unmanned systems in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote unmanned system?

Remote Unmanned Systems are vehicles or devices that operate without a human physically onboard, and are controlled remotely by an operator or autonomously via pre-programmed instructions. These systems can include drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and remotely operated robots. They are used in a wide range of industries such as defense, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Remote Unmanned Systems improve efficiency, safety, and access to locations that may be hazardous or inaccessible to humans. As technology advances, their capabilities and applications continue to expand.

How does a remote unmanned systems professional typically collaborate with field teams and stakeholders while working offsite?

Remote Unmanned Systems professionals regularly engage with field operators, engineers, and project managers through digital communication platforms, such as video conferencing and shared mission planning tools. They are responsible for monitoring system performance, providing technical support, and coordinating mission updates in real time to ensure safe and effective operations. Strong communication skills and the ability to troubleshoot remotely are essential, as collaboration often involves translating complex technical data into actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote unmanned systems operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Remote Unmanned Systems Operator, you typically need a strong background in electronics, mechanical systems, and operational protocols, often supported by relevant technical degrees or military training. Familiarity with remote piloting software, sensor payload integration, and certifications such as FAA Part 107 for drones are commonly required. Excellent situational awareness, problem-solving skills, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for making quick decisions and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and mission-successful operation of unmanned systems in dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Remote Unmanned Systems vs Remote Drone Pilot?

AspectRemote Unmanned SystemsRemote Drone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, technical trainingFAA Part 107 certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentField operations, data analysis, system managementFlying drones remotely, on-site or office-based
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, agriculture, researchFilmmaking, inspection, surveying

Remote Unmanned Systems professionals design, operate, and manage various unmanned platforms, including drones, ground robots, and autonomous vehicles, often involving complex systems and data analysis. Remote Drone Pilots specifically focus on flying drones remotely for tasks like filming or inspections. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Remote Unmanned Systems roles encompass a broader range of technologies and responsibilities, making them more versatile in various industries.

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Remote Unmanned Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Unmanned Systems job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Technical Lead - Autonomous & Unmanned Systems (FedD179)

Defense Unicorns

Remote

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

EMPLOYER IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. THIS POSITION REQUIRES U.S. CITIZENSHIP.Role Description: 

Defense Unicorns seeks a Senior-level Engineer to lead the development and implementation of Defense Unicorns' Autonomy and Unmanned Systems Domain.  This role will work closely with fellow platform engineers, software engineers, and warfighters.

What You'll Work On:
  • Deliver interfaces for managing individual assets and large fleets of autonomous and unmanned systems.
  • Design and implement data-rich UIs that reflect real-time and distributed system state.
  • Work with stakeholders to develop workflows for deploying, updating, and monitoring systems across edge, remote, and disconnected environments.
  • Handle complex state management and asynchronous data flows.
  • Integrate frontend applications with backend APIs, platform services, and communications technologies.
  • Improve usability and clarity for technically complex operational workflows.
  • Partner with UX to translate complex system behavior into intuitive user experiences.
Responsibilities: 
  • Lead the technical staff and technical baseline of Defense Unicorns' Autonomous and Unmanned Systems Domain, mentoring and growing a team of software engineers and DevSecOps engineers.
  • Own architectural decisions that align with secure software development practices, application security, and CI/CD best practices.
  • Mentor and develop engineers across the team, fostering technical excellence and continuous learning.
  • Communicate technical priorities with product management while advocating for thoughtful management of technical complexity, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
  • Work closely with peers to ensure cohesive architecture across Defense Unicorns capabilities and seamless integration with the common platform baseline.
  • Translate operational imperatives into product capabilities and guide development toward solutions that meet or exceed mission objectives.
  • Serve as the technical leader across software, communications, and platform technologies, helping bridge engineering teams and operational mission requirements.
  • Continually implement features and functionality that improve mission effectiveness and user experience.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and user acceptance testing strategies to ensure reliable, resilient software.
  • Work directly with Mission Heroes (customers) and product stakeholders to define a technical roadmap aligned with mission objectives and company goals.
  • Evaluate new technologies and products, assessing their impact on mission capability, technical architecture, and security posture.
  • Support customer integrations, demonstrations, testing events, and operational exercises as required.
  • Communicate and execute effectively in an asynchronous, fully remote environment.

The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

  • Proven experience leading technical teams developing complex software systems.
  • Expertise solving highly technical problems spanning multiple knowledge domains.
  • Hands-on technical depth in at least two of the following areas:
    • Autonomous systems / unmanned platforms
    • Tactical-edge networking (BLE mesh networking, DIL/MANET, mesh radios)
    • Distributed systems (CRDTs, gossip protocols, eventual consistency)
    • Container and software supply chain tooling (Kubernetes, OCI, Zarf/UDS)
  • Working familiarity with the autonomy and tactical-edge ecosystem, including ROS2/DDS, MAVLink, CoT/TAK, and at least one relevant interoperability standard (STANAG 4586/4817, JAUS, Link16/TADL-J, OMS/UCI, or MOSA/SOSA).
  • Experience leading remote engineering teams and collaborating across distributed organizations.
  • Experience defining technical roadmaps and partnering with product management.
  • Expertise in analyzing complex problems, proposing innovative solutions, and implementing them effectively.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, fully remote environment.
  • U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
  • Expertise and established credibility in Special Operations-specific processes, vernacular, organization, challenges, and technical solutions.
  • Experience integrating software with tactical communications, radio systems, or edge networking technologies supporting autonomous systems.
  • Familiarity with TAK Server administration, CoT message schemas, and ATAK plugin development.
  • Experience with edge AI hardware (NVIDIA Jetson, Intel NUC, Raspberry Pi, or ruggedized compute platforms) in tactical deployments.
  • Experience developing or supporting Authorization to Operate (ATO) systems within the Department of Defense.
  • Experience with automated testing, including infrastructure, integration, and system testing.
  • Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies.
  • Experience with container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.


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