UAS Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
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 ...
UAS Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
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 ...
UAS Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
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 ...
UAS Pilot
Rockville, MD · On-site
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 ...
UAS Pilot
Des Moines, IA · On-site
As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...
UAS Pilot
Des Moines, IA · On-site
As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...
UAS Pilot
Des Moines, IA · On-site
As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...
UAS Pilot
Des Moines, IA · On-site
As a UAS Pilot, you will: Join our team of operators in the United States as we scale to conquer the aerial inspection industry. You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone ...
UAS Pilot-Entry
Atlantic City, NJ · On-site
$48K - $62K/yr
Research Analyst Associate / UAS Pilot Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Research Analyst Associate /UAS Pilot supporting the FAA's Airport Research Division. You will be part of ...
UAS Pilot-Entry
Atlantic City, NJ · On-site
$48K - $62K/yr
Research Analyst Associate / UAS Pilot Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Research Analyst Associate /UAS Pilot supporting the FAA's Airport Research Division. You will be part of ...
UAS Pilot-Entry
$48K - $62K/yr
No Research Analyst Associate / UAS Pilot Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Research Analyst Associate /UAS Pilot supporting the FAA's Airport Research Division. You will be part ...
UAS Pilot-Entry
$48K - $62K/yr
No Research Analyst Associate / UAS Pilot Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Research Analyst Associate /UAS Pilot supporting the FAA's Airport Research Division. You will be part ...
Be Seen First
UAS Pilot Engineer
Clearwater, FL · On-site
$132K - $198K/yr
Nokturnal Ai is looking for a highly motivated UAS Pilot who thrives in a hands-on environment and is excited to help test, operate, and deploy cutting-edge autonomous aircraft. This role is much ...
Quick apply
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UAS Pilot Engineer
Clearwater, FL · On-site
$132K - $198K/yr
Nokturnal Ai is looking for a highly motivated UAS Pilot who thrives in a hands-on environment and is excited to help test, operate, and deploy cutting-edge autonomous aircraft. This role is much ...
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UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix ...
Quick apply
Be Seen First
UAS Operator / Pilot
Phoenix, AZ · On-site
$75K - $135K/yr
SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix ...
SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position combines hands-on fabrication with pilot-in-command responsibility. You will build, maintain and repair ...
SPA has an immediate need for a UAS Pilot to work full time, on-site in Yuma, AZ. This position combines hands-on fabrication with pilot-in-command responsibility. You will build, maintain and repair ...
Uas Pilot information
See salary details
$54K - $67.2K
9% of jobs
$67.2K - $80.5K
15% of jobs
$81.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$80.5K - $93.7K
20% of jobs
The median wage is $97.1K / yr.
$93.7K - $106.9K
24% of jobs
$106.9K - $120.1K
4% of jobs
$123.4K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$120.1K - $133.4K
11% of jobs
$133.4K - $146.6K
2% of jobs
$146.6K - $159.8K
2% of jobs
$159.8K - $173K
2% of jobs
$173K - $186.3K
1% of jobs
$186.3K - $199.5K
10% of jobs
$54K
$113.1K
$199.5K
How much do uas pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for uas pilot in the United States is $113,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a UAS pilot?
A UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Pilot operates drones or unmanned aircraft for various applications, including aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, inspection, and defense. They are responsible for planning and executing flight missions while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. UAS Pilots may work for private companies, government agencies, or as independent contractors. The role requires proficiency in drone operation, navigation, and safety protocols, often necessitating FAA certification or equivalent credentials.
What does a UAS pilot do?
As a UAS Pilot, your day often starts with reviewing mission objectives, checking weather conditions, and conducting pre-flight inspections to ensure all equipment is operational. Projects can range from aerial photography and mapping to infrastructure inspections, agriculture surveys, or emergency response support, depending on the employer's industry. UAS Pilots usually collaborate closely with data analysts, project managers, and sometimes clients to capture the specific imagery or data required. You may spend significant time both in the field operating drones and at a workstation processing flight data. The role offers a dynamic work environment, requiring adaptability as projects and locations can vary frequently.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAS pilot?
To thrive as a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Pilot, you need strong remote piloting skills, situational awareness, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, usually backed by a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, drone control systems, GPS navigation, and data collection tools is vital. Strong problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and attention to detail help UAS Pilots excel in dynamic environments. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations, often in rapidly changing field conditions.
Is there a demand for Uas pilots?
The demand for UAS pilots is growing due to increased use of drones in industries such as agriculture, construction, and logistics. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating unmanned aircraft and adhering to regulations, leading to expanding job opportunities in this field.
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Cities with the most Uas Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Uas Pilot jobs?
The most popular types of Uas Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Uas Pilot jobs?
States with the most job openings for Uas Pilot jobs include:
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UAS Pilot
Rockville, MD • On-site
Ideal Aerosmith •
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees51 - 200 employees
Full-time
Posted 6 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.
About Ideal Aerosmith
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Grand Forks, ND, US
Year founded
1938