JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking a MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Pilot (IP) and graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School program to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be ...
JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking a MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Pilot (IP) and graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School program to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be ...
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 ...
New
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 ...
New
MQ-9 Test Pilot - TPS Graduate
Palmdale, CA · On-site
JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking a MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Pilot (IP) and graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School program to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be ...
Quick apply
MQ-9 Test Pilot - TPS Graduate
Palmdale, CA · On-site
JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking a MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Pilot (IP) and graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School program to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be ...
The Test and Evaluation team works across the entire spectrum of products ranging from Lattice Ghost UAS, Sentry Tower, cUAS, missile, Fury and many of our other platforms. As a Group 5 Test Pilot ...
The Test and Evaluation team works across the entire spectrum of products ranging from Lattice Ghost UAS, Sentry Tower, cUAS, missile, Fury and many of our other platforms. As a Group 5 Test Pilot ...
Flight Test Engineer
Mckinney, TX · On-site
... UAS operator, pilot, or rated aviator with operational flight hours » Background with Group 2-5 UAS test programs » Experience testing VTOL or hybrid propulsion aircraft » Familiarity with GPS ...
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Flight Test Engineer
Mckinney, TX · On-site
... UAS operator, pilot, or rated aviator with operational flight hours » Background with Group 2-5 UAS test programs » Experience testing VTOL or hybrid propulsion aircraft » Familiarity with GPS ...
UAS Red Team Pilot
Aberdeen, MD · On-site
UAS Red Team Pilot Job Category: Intelligence Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Plan, coordinate and act as safety officer for flight operations during training and test events.
UAS Red Team Pilot
Aberdeen, MD · On-site
UAS Red Team Pilot Job Category: Intelligence Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Plan, coordinate and act as safety officer for flight operations during training and test events.
UAS Red Team Pilot
Aberdeen, MD · On-site
UAS Red Team Pilot Job Category: Intelligence Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Plan, coordinate and act as safety officer for flight operations during training and test events.
UAS Red Team Pilot
Aberdeen, MD · On-site
UAS Red Team Pilot Job Category: Intelligence Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to ... Plan, coordinate and act as safety officer for flight operations during training and test events.
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Quick apply
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Position Summary We are currently seeking an experienced External Pilot to join our flight test and training team for our Group 3 UAS program supporting U.S. Army requirements. The External Pilot ...
Chief UAS Pilot Sterling, VA Salary From: $150,000 per year MUST: Experienced Chief UAS Pilot 5+ ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot Sterling, VA Salary From: $150,000 per year MUST: Experienced Chief UAS Pilot 5+ ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot
Sterling, VA · On-site
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot
Sterling, VA · On-site
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Quick apply
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S ... Develop and manage the process for flight plan review 48 hours prior to flight and concise test ...
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work ...
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work ...
RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test ...
RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test ...
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test ...
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to conduct manual, line-of-sight (LOS) flight operations for Group 1 & 2 unmanned aircraft systems in a test ...
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work ...
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot
$95.40K - $143.60K/yr
Group 1-2 UAS Air Vehicle External Pilot KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex ... As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work ...
Uas Test Pilot information
See salary details
$87.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$81.5K - $90.1K
36% of jobs
The median wage is $94.2K / yr.
$90.1K - $98.7K
28% of jobs
$104.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$98.7K - $107.3K
17% of jobs
$107.3K - $115.9K
6% of jobs
$115.9K - $124.5K
2% of jobs
$124.5K - $133K
0% of jobs
$133K - $141.6K
1% of jobs
$141.6K - $150.2K
2% of jobs
$150.2K - $158.8K
3% of jobs
$158.8K - $167.4K
2% of jobs
$167.4K - $176K
2% of jobs
$81.5K
$105.1K
$176K
How much do uas test pilot jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAS Test Pilot, and why are they important?
What are some common challenges faced by UAS Test Pilots during flight testing, and how can they be addressed?
What are UAS Test Pilots?
What is the difference between Uas Test Pilot vs Drone Operator?
| Aspect | Uas Test Pilot | Drone Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | FAA Part 107 certification, pilot training, engineering knowledge | FAA Part 107 certification, basic drone operation training |
| Work Environment | Test ranges, research facilities, aerospace labs | Construction sites, filming locations, event venues |
| Employer & Industry | Defense, aerospace, government agencies | Media, 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.

Full-time
Posted 3 days ago
Job description
JOB SUMMARY
SDI is seeking a MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Pilot (IP) and graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School program to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be in Gray Butte, CA. Pilots will be responsible for coordination of customer flight test support requirements and aircraft operation to ensure flight safety and success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Test Planning and Execution
- Review test plans, test cards, and other documentation for ground and flight test events and supporting Flight Test Engineer in execution of test projects
- Apply extensive knowledge and experience of flight test operations to provide test planning, training and evaluation, pre-flight planning, flight briefings, post-flight briefings, and post-flight test analysis and reports.
- Attend and participate in Test Plan Working Groups (TPWGs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Test Kickoff Meetings, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Safety Review Boards (SRBs), and Technical Review Boards (TRBs).
- Conduct test and evaluate capabilities of new equipment and propriety of new procedures in accordance with established test cards, published flight manuals, checklists, technical orders, instructions and other approved manuals as provided by the manufacturer.
- Conduct approval flight tests of new or substantially modified aircraft, including the assessment of handling characteristics, performance, and systems functionality.
- Support program and PMs with test advice as it pertains to aircrew, recommended priorities, resource planning and constraints, and inputs into deficiency identification and correction
Pre-flight Planning:
* Coordinate customer flight support requirements and develop valid mission plans to include map analysis for mission route selection including terrain evaluation; communications planning; compliance with customer, FAA, ICAO, and host nation regulations; developing and filing flight plans; weather evaluation; fuel requirements, mission risk assessment; crew assignments; pre-flight briefing and safety of flight evaluation* Perform pre-flight and in-flight mission planning activities in accordance with unified combatant command and theater rules of engagement. Must understand tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for friendly and enemy Air Order Battle (AOB) assets.
In-Flight/Post-Flight:
- Conduct all phases of safe ground and flight operations, including pre-flight, ground checks, launch, normal flight, emergency flight, recovery, and post-flight.
- Participate in post-flight debriefing to determine mission accomplishments and potential procedural development.
- Submit T.O. change requests and Deficiency Reports (DR) identified during ground and flight test operations.
- Receive, interpret, extract, and disseminate relevant ATO, Airspace Control Order (ACO) and SPINs information.
Certification and Currency:
- Obtain and maintain professional certifications required to pilot/operate aircraft to include appropriate difference training and qualification on new aircraft
- Accurately track and accomplish currency requirements, annual evaluations/training events, go/no-go Flight Crew Information File items, and safety briefings.
- Ensures compliance with service guidance, company policy and procedures and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Maintain ties with commercial aviation organizations to contribute to job performance
- Pursue continuing education for growth in advance flight ratings and technology trends
Training:
* Conduct initial, qualification, upgrade and continuation training for mission crew members.* Perform staff assistance visits to subordinate units, training, planning, standardization and evaluation, and other staff duty functions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Must have active TS/SCI security clearance
Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics; or Master's Degree in any engineering field; or BS Degree in a physical science - receiving a minimum GPA of 3.0
Current and qualified MQ-9 Instructor Pilot requirements as follows:
- Pilot I: MCE
- Pilot II: MCE + LRE
- Pilot III: MCE + LRE + INST/MAQ
- Pilot IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE/MAQ
- Pilot IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE + MAQ
Required to have commercial pilot certificate, current instrument rating, and current FAA medical certificate.
Must possess/obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products
OTHER INFORMATION
Travel may be required to other sites to support the contract effort.
System Dynamics International, Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access SDI's careers page as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 256-895-9000. Thanks for your interest in System Dynamics International, Inc.