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Suas Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Minimum five (5) years of professional experience operating small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). * Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing. * Current Department of War sUAS ...

COLSA Corporation

Lead Hardware Engineer - sUAS

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$115K - $151K/yr

COLSA Corporation is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer with sUAS experience to support our Uncrewed ... Ability to create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and engineering documentation.

Colsa

Lead Hardware Engineer - sUAS

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

COLSA Corporation is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer with sUAS experience to support our Uncrewed ... Ability to create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and engineering documentation.

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

Ensure sUAS is equipped with a Hover or Return to Home (RTH) function. * Verify the sUAS is ... Operators must comply with applicable DoD, FAA, and Army regulations, including the Airspace ...

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Liberty, NC · On-site

Ensure sUAS is equipped with a Hover or Return to Home (RTH) function. * Verify the sUAS is ... Operators must comply with applicable DoD, FAA, and Army regulations, including the Airspace ...

Seventh Dimension

Drone Operator

Fort Liberty, NC

Ensure sUAS is equipped with a Hover or Return to Home (RTH) function. * Verify the sUAS is ... Operators must comply with applicable DoD, FAA, and Army regulations, including the Airspace ...

KBR

Engineering Technician 2

Lexington Park, MD

$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:

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Suas Operator information

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How much do suas operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 does a UAS operator do?

A UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) operator is responsible for flying and controlling drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or surveillance. They operate remote control systems, monitor drone performance, and ensure safety and compliance with regulations, often requiring certification and technical skills. UAS operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, or media, often following specific operational protocols and safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Operator, and why are they important?

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.

How much do unmanned aircraft systems make?

Suas operators, who control unmanned aircraft systems, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the systems operated and the employer's location and requirements.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs that can pay $500,000 or more annually in the US typically include high-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as successful entrepreneurs, top-tier surgeons, and certain specialized professionals like investment bankers and hedge fund managers. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibility, with compensation often including bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically involve specialized roles such as drone pilot for aerial cinematography, infrastructure inspection, or military applications, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually for experienced professionals. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical skills, and the ability to operate high-end drone equipment in complex environments.

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.

What are SUAS Operators?

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 are some common challenges faced by SUAS Operators in the field, 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
sUAS Military Analyst

sUAS Military Analyst

Cortina Solutions

Fort Novosel, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Us

Be a part of awinning team that provides technical solutions with integrity.Cortina is a government contractor providing technical professional services. But we are so much more than that! Forapproximatelyevery three employees brought on to support the government, we hire an individual froman under-resourced, developing communityand train themto enter the professional job market.

Cortina is very proud of the reach-back it offers to the local community.Not only that, we LOVE our employees and do all we can to ensure they have a great work experience.Come join acompanythat believes in being a part of something bigger than themselves!


Job Description:

The sUAS Military Analyst provides technical expertise in small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), autonomy, and emerging aviation technologies supporting defense and national security initiatives. This position supports the development, evaluation, integration, and operational employment of Group 1-3 UAS platforms, autonomous systems, and related capabilities. The analyst works closely with technical teams, stakeholders, and decision-makers to assess technologies, develop operational recommendations, manage technical programs, and translate complex technical concepts into actionable information for a wide range of audiences.

Job Requirements:

  • Minimum 5 years of First Person View (FPV) quadcopter/drone experience, including building, programming, flying, troubleshooting, and modifying systems.
  • Experience utilizing Betaflight, iNAV, Ardupilot, or comparable flight control software to program, operate, and troubleshoot semi-autonomous and autonomous systems.
  • Experience with C and/or C++ programming in Command Line Interface (CLI) flight controller environments.
  • Strong knowledge of sUAS power systems, platform design considerations, component selection, operational limitations, risks, and performance tradeoffs.
  • Experience working directly with technical contributors, engineers, and operators to support system development and problem-solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively to audiences ranging from individual contributors to senior executives.
  • Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, audience-appropriate written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to independently develop and execute plans based on broad or evolving requirements while maintaining stakeholder awareness and engagement.
  • Military experience with tactical UAS (Group 3 or smaller) or equivalent experience in commercial, public safety, inspection, forestry, logistics, or other UAS-intensive fields.
  • Strong analytical and technical skills with demonstrated ability to use data and metrics to support recommendations and decision-making.
  • Knowledge of DOTMLPF-P and military capability and requirements development processes.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification required.
  • FCC Amateur Radio Technician License required.
  • Ability to travel up to 50%.
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance required.

Benefits:

Cortina Solutions is committed to offering comprehensive and affordable benefits to employees and their families.

  • BCBS Medical and Dental Insurance
  • VSP Vision
  • Flexible spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Company-paid Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance
  • Matching 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible PTO
  • Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Federal Holidays
  • Company Match on Employee Non-Profit Donations
  • Professional Development

Background Check Requirement:

As our team members work on government sites, all potential candidates are subject to a background screening that fully complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Apply