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Suas Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wing

sUAS Flight Operator (FTC), Durham

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K/yr

Wing is looking for a sUAS Flight Operator to join our Flight Operations team for a 36-month fixed term contract. This role is based O nsite in Durham, NC. In this role,you'll help us operate ...

Performance Drone Works

sUAS Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility ... What You'll Do * Conduct flight operations for PDW sUAS in support of test, evaluation, and ...

PDW

sUAS Pilot (Huntsville)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Coordinate assets in support of PDW global objectives Requirements * 3+ years of experience in operating and maintaining sUAS systems * Experience with loading systems and third‑party software and ...

Front Door Defense

$110 - $145/hr

The Skydio Training team is transforming how pilots, technicians, and operators learn. As our ... sUAS training for critical industry. This role owns the instructional backbone of our programs ...

Posted today

KBR

Engineering Technician 2

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$25.72/hr

Additionally, working with C-sUAS Operators and leadership from U.S. Navy and other stakeholders to troubleshoot/identify outages and execute mitigating actions will be required. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Webforge

UAS Associate Pilot

Since an sUAS Pilot may have to monitor the drone's equipment while also communicating with the camera operator and VO, they should be capable of multitasking effectively. sUAS Pilots also will be ...

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Suas Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do suas operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for suas operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SUAS operator?

SUAS Operators are professionals trained to operate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), commonly known as drones, for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and surveillance. They are responsible for planning missions, ensuring safety compliance, conducting pre-flight checks, and operating the drone during missions. SUAS Operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, public safety, and environmental monitoring, and must often obtain specific certifications or licenses depending on local regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a SUAS operator?

To thrive as a SUAS Operator, you need strong technical knowledge of drone systems, aviation regulations, and flight operations, typically supported by an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation, mapping tools, and maintenance procedures is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators manage missions and respond to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of drones for various commercial, industrial, or defense applications.

What challenges do SUAS operators face and how can they be addressed?

SUAS Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and strict regulatory compliance requirements. Adapting to rapidly changing environments and ensuring safe operation in proximity to people or sensitive areas can also be demanding. To address these issues, operators should stay up-to-date with training, conduct thorough pre-flight checks, and maintain clear communication with their team and relevant authorities. Proactive planning and continuous learning are key to overcoming these operational challenges.

What is the difference between Suas Operator vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectSuas OperatorWarehouse Associate
Required CredentialsBasic certifications, safety trainingBasic certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor settingsWarehouses, storage facilities
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsLogistics, retail, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Suas Operators and Warehouse Associates both require safety training and basic certifications. Suas Operators typically work on construction sites and outdoor environments, focusing on operating aerial work platforms. Warehouse Associates work indoors in storage facilities, handling inventory and shipping tasks. While their roles differ in environment and specific duties, both are essential in their respective industries and often compared by job seekers seeking similar operational roles.

More about Suas Operator jobs

What states have the most Suas Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Suas Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Suas Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Suas Operator jobs are:

Suas Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Suas Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

UAS/sUAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Flight Instructor - 15X - NO MEDICAL NEEDED!

Akima, LLC

Sierra Vista, AZ • On-site

$50.01/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Akima rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company, is looking for TUAS/sUAS (Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System/Small Unmanned Aircraft System) Flight Instructors to work in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in support of TUAS/sUAS instruction conducted at the 2-13th Aviation Regiment on Fort Huachuca. The candidate will provide instruction and train Army personnel in the operation of Army sUAS and future TUAS Army aircraft TUAS/sUAS. Training includes aviation academics, flight simulation and live flight operations, to include maintenance fundamentals. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
FAA Class II or Class III Medical Certificate is preferred.
This is an SCA position with an hourly rate of $50.01.
Responsibilities
  • Procedures for takeoff, landing, and tactical employment of Group 1-3 UAS.
  • Fundamentals and application of Army Air Crew Coordination.
  • Capabilities, emergency procedures, limitations, and system logic of the TUAS/sUAS and it's payloads.
  • Fundamentals and conduct of TUAS/sUAS Missions with emphasis on route, zone, and area reconnaissance; aerial surveillance; security operations; and employment of the TUAS/sUAS in attack missions.
  • Fundamentals of Mission Planning and approval Process to include the METTTC; Risk Assessment; and Performance Planning.
  • Concepts and application of Army reporting formats to include SALUTE, SALTW, and BDA reports.
  • Familiarity with National Airspace-- restricted areas and class D airspace-- and Air Traffic Control (ATC) phraseology.
  • Configuration of system radios for flight operations and communications relay.
  • Application of map reading techniques for UAS Operations.
  • Fundamentals of laser safety, different types of lasers on UAS, employment, capabilities, detractors, and effective utilization of lasers during UAS missions.
  • Fundamentals of Combat Vehicle Identification and familiarity with major US, Allied, and Threat equipment.
  • Concepts and application of military Symbology.
  • Fratricide and how to prevent it as a UAS operator through positive identification of targets and situational awareness.
  • Familiarity with Joint procedures for Call for Indirect Fire and Laser Designation for a Hellfire missile.
  • Familiarity and application of AR 95-1 (Flight Regulations), TC 3-04.61 (UAS Commander's Guide and ATM - Shadow 200), TC 3-04.3 (Combat Aviation Gunnery), AR 40-8 (Exogenous Factors), and TC 3-04.93 (Aeromedical Training).
  • Familiarity with and application of DA PAM 738-751 (TAMMS) and maintenance logbook software.
  • Concepts of Decisive Action and how a UAS operates in offensive, defensive, stability, and defense support of civil authorities' operations.
  • Concepts and participants in the Operational Environment (OE). The eight operational variables.
  • Fundamentals of the Intelligence Preparation for the Battlefield (IPB) process as a UAS operator.
  • Will support the commander's tactical decision-making by providing information that enhances situational awareness of the operational environment.

Qualifications
  • Documented graduates of a US Military UAS qualification course (Qualified in Groups 3-5). * Remote Pilot Certificates will not be accepted as SUAS Operator qualification.
  • Aircraft Commander Designation with 50 hours as AC or 25 sorties.
  • Ability to Obtain Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Four years' operational flying experience in Groups 3-5 UAS.
  • 200 hours cumulative live flight and simulator on Groups 3-5 UAS.
  • IO/IP Course Graduate for UAS and/or manned aircraft.
  • Additional SUAS Qualifications / Experience.
  • FAA Class II or Class III Medical Certificate is preferred.

Must be able to satisfactorily complete all evaluations per AR 95-20 to include:
  • Instructor evaluations.
  • Oral academic evaluations.
  • No-notice evaluations.
  • Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES) evaluations.
  • Proficiency Flight evaluations (PFEs).
  • Standardization Flight Evaluations (SFE).

Job ID
2026-23694
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company, is not just another federal contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At Pinnacle Solutions, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, Pinnacle Solutions provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, Pinnacle Solutions delivers comprehensive services for general construction and renovation, as well as civil and marine construction.
As a Pinnacle Solutions employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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