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Uas Contract Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

... contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title ... The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight ...

A3 Technology

UAS Policy Analyst

Washington, DC

$50K - $175K/yr

Support analysis related to UAS investigations, enforcement actions, policy, and training ... In addition, compensation may be influenced by applicable Federal Government contract labor ...

A3 Technology, Inc.

UAS Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

Support analysis related to UAS investigations, enforcement actions, policy, and training ... In addition, compensation may be influenced by applicable Federal Government contract labor ...

CSSI, Inc.

Sr. Regulatory Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

Analyzes Part 107 waivers, UAS airspace waivers and petitions for exemption * Provides expertise on ... THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD AND POSITION AVAILABILITY** About: CSSI, LLC. has ...

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All JobsUas Contract JobsUas Contract Jobs in Reston, VA

Uas Contract information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31

$50

$103

How much do uas contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for uas contract in Reston, VA is $50.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $52.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAS contract?

UAS contract jobs involve working with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, under a temporary or project-based agreement. These roles can include piloting, data analysis, maintenance, or project management for various industries such as agriculture, construction, or defense. Contractors in this field are often responsible for operating drones, collecting and processing aerial data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. UAS contract jobs typically require specific certifications and technical skills depending on the project's scope.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working under UAS contracts?

Professionals working under UAS contracts often encounter challenges such as navigating evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with airspace restrictions, and maintaining safety standards for both crewed and uncrewed operations. They may also face logistical hurdles related to coordinating with multiple stakeholders, such as clients, regulatory bodies, and technical teams. Adaptability and strong communication skills are essential, as the work environment can be fast-paced and project needs may change quickly based on technological advancements or client demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAS contract specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAS Contract Specialist, you need expertise in contract management, procurement regulations, and an understanding of UAS technology, typically supported by a degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, federal acquisition systems, and legal compliance tools is crucial. Strong negotiation, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you manage stakeholders and ensure contract integrity. These skills ensure regulatory compliance, mitigate risks, and facilitate successful project outcomes in the dynamic UAS industry.

What is the difference between Uas Contract vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUas ContractDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, relevant licensesFAA Part 107 certification, possibly additional endorsements
Work EnvironmentProject-based, contractual work for various clientsOperational, flying drones for specific missions or projects
Employer/Industry UsageCompanies hiring contractors for aerial surveys, filming, inspectionsIndividuals or companies performing drone flights for clients
Search/Comparison IntentContract roles, freelance drone workOperational drone flying jobs

Uas Contract roles typically involve contractual, project-based work requiring FAA certification and are common in industries like surveying, filming, and inspections. Drone Pilots perform the actual drone flights and may work as contractors or employees. While both roles require similar credentials, Uas Contract emphasizes the contractual nature of the work, whereas Drone Pilot focuses on the operational aspect of flying drones.

What are the most commonly searched types of Uas jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Uas jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Uas Contract jobs in Reston, VA?

For Uas Contract jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Uas Contract jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Uas Contract jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Uas Contract jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Uas Contract job openings:

Uas Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uas Contract job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,888 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD • On-site

Ideal Aerosmith
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Ideal Aerosmithexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

The UAS Pilot will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.

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