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Temporary Uav Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zone 5 Technologies

Mechanical Engineer V/VI

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$189K - $207K/yr

... payload integration. * Advanced Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the development and testing of UAV ... for UAV mechanical systems operating under extreme conditions. * Thermal Management Expertise:

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Temporary Uav Payload Operator information

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$38

How much do temporary uav payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary uav payload operator in the United States is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary UAV payload operator?

Temporary UAV Payload Operators are professionals hired on a short-term basis to manage and operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) specifically focusing on the payloads they carry, such as cameras, sensors, or other equipment. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the correct installation, operation, and data collection of these payloads during UAV missions. They may work in various industries such as agriculture, surveying, or emergency response. Temporary positions are often project-based and may require specialized training or certifications, depending on the equipment and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary UAV payload operator?

To thrive as a Temporary UAV Payload Operator, you need a solid understanding of UAV flight operations, payload integration, and a relevant technical background, often supported by certifications such as Part 107 (for the U.S.) or equivalent. Familiarity with UAV ground control systems, payload control software, and data acquisition tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient UAV missions, maximizing data quality and mission success while minimizing risks.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary UAV payload operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Temporary UAV Payload Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new UAV platforms, managing rapidly changing mission requirements, and maintaining situational awareness in dynamic environments. Since assignments may be project-based or short-term, operators must be efficient at learning new payload systems and collaborating with diverse teams. Staying up to date on UAV regulations and prioritizing thorough pre-flight checks can help mitigate risks and support successful operations.

What is the difference between Temporary Uav Payload Operator vs Uav Pilot?

AspectTemporary Uav Payload OperatorUav Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, drone operation trainingFAA Part 107 certification, drone operation training
Work EnvironmentField operations, payload setup, data collectionFlying drones, navigation, flight control
Industry UsageSurveying, filming, inspection tasksMapping, aerial photography, surveillance

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve drone operation, but the Temporary Uav Payload Operator focuses on managing payloads and data collection, while the Uav Pilot primarily handles flying and navigation. They often work together in drone missions within similar industries.

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Temporary Uav Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Uav Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,951 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Staff Engineer, Software Embedded Applications (R5033)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

We are seeking skilled, experienced embedded software engineers with relevant experience in C++ in embedded systems to join our X-BAT Embedded Software Team focused on developing complex avionics software that merges hardware and embedded applications for cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). 

The Embedded Software Engineer works with in a high pace environment with a cross-functional team of program stakeholders, electrical engineers, Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) engineers, systems engineers, test engineers and the autonomy team, to design and develop software systems which utilize modern aerospace sensors, state-of-the-art UAV avionics. 

What you'll do:
  • Develop high-quality C/C++ code tailored specifically for X-Bat aircraft, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety.  
  • Leading cross-functional teams to create systems of software features to implement advanced robotic avionics capabilities. 
  • Own complex software capabilities from design to production. 
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews.  
  • Integrate software from multiple departments to include firmware, software test and verification, Autonomy AI, and Ground Control Stations (GCS)  
  • Develop software systems to implement and integrate interfaces to modern avionics sensors, sub-systems, and payloads  
  • Facilitate the design process for updates to the software system architecture   
  • Use modern software development tools and processes to capture our existing architecture and design future architectures  
  • Collaborating to define and extend systems engineering processes   
  • Report status, risks, accomplishments, expectations to senior leadership     
  • Design and implement systems capable of conducting tests across various environments, including virtualized hardware and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, to facilitate thorough evaluation of software functionality and performance.  
  • Develop innovative tools to enhance the frequency and reliability of software deployment, test execution, and data analysis within a continuous integration and release system, fostering improved efficiency and productivity in software development workflows.  
  • Create prototypes to validate critical design concepts and assess technical limitations, providing tangible evidence of feasibility and informing decision-making processes.  
Required qualifications:
  • Strong embedded software development experience in C/C++.  
  • Strong understanding of Oriented Object Programming and modern C++ features. 
  • Strong knowledge of embedded software, BSPs or other systems software components. 
  • Strong understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and network protocols fundamentals. 
  • Demonstrated track record of assuming ownership over development processes and features and delivering outstanding outcomes. 
  • Experience producing high-quality technical documentation, including architecture, detailed designs, and test plans. 
  • Proven track record of successfully shipping products, showcasing the ability to navigate through development cycles, overcome obstacles, and deliver high-quality solutions to meet project deadlines and exceed client expectations in a fast-paced environment   
  • Proactively identify opportunities for improvement within software development projects, demonstrating initiative to propose and implement innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and overall project success and X-Bat reliability   
  • B.S., M.S, PhD degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Proven background in thriving within fast-paced environments, within startup or R&D settings. 
  • Proven experience in development of military aircrafts.  
  • Compliance with DO-178C 
  • Demonstrated adaptability, agility, and the ability to innovate under pressure to meet dynamic project demands and drive successful outcomes. 
  • Familiar with FPGA development using SystemVerilog.   
  • Real Time Operating System (RTOS) experience. 
$160,000 - $250,000 a year
#LI-SM1
#LD

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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