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Uas Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

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 ...

Ideal Aerosmith

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 ...

Amyx, Inc.

Counter UAS Analysis Team Lead

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$18 - $23.75/hr

Overview The Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Analysis Team Lead will oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for analyzing, planning, and executing strategies to detect, track, identify, and defeat unmanned ...

a3 architecture

UAS Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

A3 Technology, Inc. is seeking a junior level UAS Policy Analyst to join our team in Washington, DC. Daily Job Functions: Support the security analysis of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations ...

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All JobsUas JobsUas Jobs in Reston, VA

Uas information

What is a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)?

UAS, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems, refer to a system that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground control station, and the communications links between them. These systems are often called drones and are used for a variety of purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, and surveillance. UAS do not require a human pilot onboard, and they can be operated remotely or autonomously. Their applications are expanding rapidly in both commercial and governmental sectors, offering new capabilities in data collection, delivery, and monitoring.

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

To thrive as a UAS Operator, you need strong technical knowledge of drone operations, airspace regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation, and data collection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. Mastering these skills ensures safe, efficient operations and accurate data collection in various industries such as surveying, agriculture, and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by UAS operators in the field, and how are they typically addressed?

UAS operators often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and evolving regulatory requirements. To address these, operators must stay up-to-date with local and federal aviation rules, develop strong pre-flight planning skills, and use real-time weather monitoring tools. Collaborating closely with air traffic control and other team members is also essential to ensure safe and compliant operations. Regular training and simulation exercises can help operators remain prepared for unexpected scenarios in the field.

What is the difference between Uas vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUasDrone Pilot
Required CertificationsPart 107 Certification (FAA)Part 107 Certification (FAA)
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, surveying, photographyCommercial, recreational, photography, videography
Industry UsageSurveying, mapping, inspection, agricultureFilmmaking, photography, real estate

Uas (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and Drone Pilot are closely related, with both requiring FAA Part 107 certification. Uas refers broadly to the entire system, including the drone and its operation, often used in industrial and surveying contexts. Drone Pilot specifically emphasizes the individual operating the drone, often in media or real estate sectors. While their certifications overlap, their typical work environments and industry applications differ slightly, with Uas being more technical and industrial, and Drone Pilot more media-focused.

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 jobs in Reston, VA?

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

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

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

Uas jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uas job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

UAS Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 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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