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Uav Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Platform Aerospace

NY · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

UAV PILOT II-III Contractor - 1099 Hollywood, MD, US This position may be filled as a full-time employee or 1099 Contractor depending on business needs and candidate fit. Job Summary Under minimal ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist III

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced UAV Systems Technical Trainer to work in the ... Coordinates instructor led training programs with customer and/or contractor personnel ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV PILOT II-III

Hollywood, MD · On-site

JOB TITLE: UAV PILOT II-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DEPLOYMENT SITE LEAD ... SECRET This position may be filled as a full-time employee or 1099 Contractor depending on business ...

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UAV Contractor information

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How much do uav contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav contractor in the United States is $23.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV contractor?

UAV contractors are professionals or companies who provide services related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. Their work can include aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, surveillance, delivery, or agricultural monitoring, depending on the client's needs. UAV contractors are responsible for operating drones safely and legally, often holding certifications and complying with aviation regulations. They may work on a contract basis for industries like construction, real estate, energy, and public safety. The role typically requires technical skills in drone operation, data processing, and sometimes drone maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV contractor?

To thrive as a UAV Contractor, you need expertise in drone operation, flight planning, and knowledge of aviation regulations, often supported by a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent licensure. Familiarity with flight control software, mapping tools, and maintenance systems is essential for efficient and safe operations. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you adapt to dynamic environments and meet client needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and the successful delivery of UAV-related services.

What are some common challenges faced by UAV contractors when working on client projects?

UAV Contractors often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, ensuring compliance with evolving airspace regulations, and operating in diverse environments. It’s essential to maintain up-to-date certifications and be prepared to troubleshoot technical issues on-site. Effective communication with clients and team members is key, as projects frequently require collaboration with engineers, surveyors, or data analysts to deliver precise results within tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Uav Contractor vs Uav Pilot?

AspectUav ContractorUav Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, relevant drone operation experienceFAA Part 107 certification, drone flying experience
Work EnvironmentContract-based projects, client sites, remote locationsOperational flying, on-site or remote locations
Employer/Industry UsageContracting companies, government agencies, private firmsDrone service providers, media, agriculture, inspection

Uav Contractors typically manage multiple projects and coordinate drone operations for clients, often working as independent contractors or with firms. Uav Pilots focus on flying drones, executing specific missions. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and drone operation skills, Contractors often oversee project logistics, whereas Pilots concentrate on flight execution.

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What states have the most Uav Contractor jobs?

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UAV Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,202 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture

World View

Irvine, CA • On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

$140,000 - $200,000 a year
Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture
Irvine, CA Salary: On-site Full-time
Company Overview
Ondas Sentinel, an Ondas company, delivers multi-domain intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions across air, land, sea, space, and the stratosphere. Built on a combined legacy of pioneering stratospheric platforms and proven unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), we provide mission-tailored capabilities that help customers collect, connect, and act on critical information.
By integrating autonomous aircraft, high-altitude platforms, satellites, terrestrial sensors, and AI-powered analytics, Ondas Sentinel transforms data from multiple sources into a unified operating picture. The result is actionable intelligence that enables defense, government, and commercial customers to make faster, more informed decisions in dynamic and contested environments.
Role Overview
As a Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture, you will lead the systems engineering activities for Long Endurance ISR UAS Platform(s). This role will interface closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams to ensure timely and effective delivery of mission-critical capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Participate in the development of requirements and systems architecture that adhere to applicable government open and common architecture standards
  • Translate mission needs and technical objectives into clear, actionable system requirements
  • Define and manage system requirements and interfaces from early concept through integration and flight test
  • Lead the planning and coordination of system validation activities, ensuring alignment with design and operational goals
  • Execute system-level validation, including environmental testing, to ensure real-world readiness
  • Partner with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, integration, and test functions to ensure seamless system development
  • Lead failure modes, reliability analysis, and risk management efforts across the development lifecycle
  • Contribute to system reviews and documentation to support safety, performance, and reliability
  • Travel Required: Less Than 10%

Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred
  • 10+ years relevant experience in aerospace, defense or government contracting environments
  • Basic understanding of modular open systems approaches (MOSA) in defense systems
  • Experience in Aircraft / UAV development programs as Systems Engineer
  • Familiarity with one or more Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) such as AMS GRA, A-GRA, or OMS/UCI
  • A strong foundation in Systems Engineering principles, especially as applied to complex, multidisciplinary systems
  • Experience in creating and validating environmental requirements (e.g., temperature, vibration, altitude)
  • Familiarity with the full system development lifecycle, from concept and design through test and delivery
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills, especially in collaborative, cross-functional environments

Preferred
  • Masters degree in engineering discipline + 5 years experience preferred
  • Understanding of cybersecurity principles and their application in GRAs
  • Knowledge of FACE (Future Airborne Capability Environment) Technical Standard
  • Understanding of SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) systems
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems
  • Knowledge of systems engineering tools and standards (e.g., DOORS, SysML, MBSE approaches)
  • Knowledge of military standards for environmental testing (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, etc.)
  • Background working on rapid development programs or prototyping efforts

Working Conditions
The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as general office environment or warehouse, to field testing environments.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Ability to work in a standard office environment, using computer and other office equipment.
  • Capability to travel to field sites, including manufacturing facilities, test sites, or operational environments.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally for handling technical equipment or documentation.

Work Authorization Requirement
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Our benefits are Ondas Sentinel'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. Ondas Sentinel offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by Ondas Sentinel. Ondas Sentinel provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, Ondas Sentinel offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.
Ondas Sentinel Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Ondas Sentinel Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
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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