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Uas Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RedSky Engineering

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Drone R&D Test Pilot

Vineyard, UT · On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

Drone R&D Test Pilot We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-conscious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Pilot to lead developmental flight test operations for next-generation UAS platforms. This ...

Reliable Robotics

Lead Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)

Reliable Robotics

Lead Test Pilot

San Martin, CA

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)

Reliable Robotics

Lead Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Lead Test Pilot you will have a senior leadership role within the flight operations team at ... Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc)

Reliable Robotics

Chief Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$190K - $260K/yr

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable ... vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc) * Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on ...

Reliable Robotics

Chief Test Pilot

San Martin, CA

$190K - $260K/yr

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable ... vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc) * Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on ...

Reliable Robotics

Chief Test Pilot

Mountain View, CA

$190K - $260K/yr

As Chief Test Pilot you will be in charge of all experimental flight operations at Reliable ... vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc) * Experience working in a Flight Test program focused on ...

Textron

External Pilot

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

Operate electronic and mechanical test equipment. Qualifications * Two years prior Aerosonde/UAS ... pilot. * FAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable. * Experience with and ...

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Uas Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do uas test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for uas test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a UAS Test Pilot, you need a strong background in aviation, aeronautical engineering, and flight operations, typically supported by a pilot’s license (such as FAA Part 107 or Part 61) and relevant technical degrees. Proficiency with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms, telemetry systems, and specialized flight control software is essential, and additional certifications like UAS-specific training are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make a candidate stand out in this highly technical and safety-critical role. These skills ensure safe test operations, accurate data collection, and effective collaboration with engineering teams to advance UAS development.

What are some common challenges faced by UAS Test Pilots during flight testing, and how can they be addressed?

UAS Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected system malfunctions, and evolving airspace regulations. To address these, test pilots must maintain strong situational awareness, follow rigorous pre-flight checklists, and stay updated on regulatory guidance. Collaboration with engineers and safety teams is crucial to troubleshoot issues quickly and ensure flights meet test objectives safely. Continuous training and thorough debriefs after each test flight also help in mitigating risks and improving future operations.

What are UAS Test Pilots?

UAS Test Pilots are specialized professionals who operate and evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, during test flights. Their main role is to assess the performance, safety, and reliability of new or modified UAS platforms under various conditions. They work closely with engineers and technicians to identify issues and ensure the aircraft meets regulatory and operational standards. UAS Test Pilots often document test results, provide feedback for design improvements, and may help develop flight procedures and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Uas Test Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectUas Test PilotDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot training, engineering knowledgeFAA Part 107 certification, basic drone operation training
Work EnvironmentTest ranges, research facilities, aerospace labsConstruction sites, filming locations, event venues
Employer & IndustryDefense, aerospace, government agenciesMedia, agriculture, real estate, entertainment

Uas Test Pilots focus on testing and evaluating unmanned aircraft systems in controlled environments, requiring advanced certifications and technical expertise. Drone Operators typically handle routine flying tasks for various commercial purposes, with less emphasis on testing and engineering. Both roles involve remote piloting but differ significantly in scope, responsibilities, and industry applications.

What cities are hiring for Uas Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Uas Test Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Uas Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator

Singularity Defense Corp.

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, Northrop, ABL and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley rms. We're assembling a high-agency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot / UAS Test Operator to support the flying, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation high-speed aerial targets and autonomous flight systems. You will fly a wide range of remotely-piloted vehicles-from high-speed RC jets to low-speed target drones, heavy-lift quadcopters, and custom R&D platforms. This role is hands-on and mission-critical; you will be directly involved in preparing aircraft, executing flight operations, and supporting autopilot tuning and integration efforts (ArduPilot/ArduPlane/ArduCopter).
You will work closely with flight software, GNC, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure safe and reliable flight test execution across multiple development programs.
Responsibilities:
Travel:
  • The role will be split between El Segundo and trips to the Mojave desert for testing.

Flight Operations
  • Pilot high-performance RC jets, fixed-wing target drones, and multirotor systems during ground and flight testing.
  • Execute pre-flight, post-flight, and safety checklists with discipline.
  • Maintain positive control of aircraft during nominal flights and during upset or emergency scenarios.
  • Provide real-time feedback to engineering teams regarding aircraft behavior, anomalies, or flight envelope limitations.

Aircraft Preparation & Maintenance
  • Assist with aircraft assembly, configuration, repair, and rapid turnaround.
  • Set up radios, transmitters, telemetry, FPV links, batteries, propulsion systems, and safety systems.
  • Ensure airframes and propulsion systems are field-ready and meet test requirements.

Autopilot Development Support
  • Support flight software and GNC engineers with ArduPilot-based integrations (ArduPlane, ArduCopter, Mission Planner, QGC, etc.).
  • Perform manual flight testing to characterize aircraft dynamics prior to autopilot engagement.
  • Assist with tuning PID loops, navigation parameters, launch parameters, and failsafes.
  • Help review logs and flight data to identify tuning needs or hardware issues.

Test & Operations Support
  • Contribute to test card creation, range coordination, and safe test execution.
  • Operate ground control stations, RF links, and telemetry systems during tests.
  • Participate in risk reviews, safety briefings, and incident analysis.
  • Support field operations including setup, teardown, and transportation of equipment.

Required Qualifications
  • 3+ years experience flying RC aircraft, drones, or UAS (fixed-wing + multirotor).
  • Demonstrated skill flying high-performance or high-speed aircraft (EDF jets, turbine jets, or equivalent).
  • Experience with RC transmitters, flight modes, failsafes, and standard radio protocols.
  • Ability to diagnose and repair basic airframe, propulsion, and avionics issues under time pressure.
  • Familiarity with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or similar autopilot ecosystems.
  • Strong situational awareness and disciplined safety mindset.
  • Ability to travel for flight tests and work in outdoor environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience flying large/heavy-lift multi-rotors or hybrid VTOL systems.
  • Experience tuning ArduPilot, PX4, Betaflight, or other autopilot systems.
  • Familiarity with autonomous flight testing and data review (logs, telemetry, onboard captures).
  • Experience with high-speed FPV, long-range links, or high-G maneuvering aircraft.
  • FAA Part 107 certification.
  • Background in aerospace, robotics, or mechanical/electrical engineering.

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