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Uav Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Swift Engineering

UAV Mechanical Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Description Overview We are seeking an experienced UAV Mechanical Engineer to support the design ... Must be US Person per ITAR requirements due to our contracts. Swift Engineering is an EOE. This in ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist III

Poway, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

The UAV Systems Specialist will be part of the MQ-9B Chief Engineering team and will represent the ... May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single ...

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How much do uav contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav contract in the United States is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on UAV contract projects, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working on UAV contract projects often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing regulatory requirements, tight delivery timelines, and ensuring effective communication between multidisciplinary teams (e.g., engineers, pilots, and compliance officers). Staying updated on aviation regulations and maintaining clear documentation can help manage compliance risks. Regular team meetings and collaborative project management tools are essential for streamlining workflow and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned throughout the contract's duration.

What are UAV contracts?

UAV contracts are formal agreements between parties for the provision, operation, or maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. These contracts often outline the scope of services, performance standards, safety regulations, and responsibilities of each party. They are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, construction, defense, and surveying. UAV contracts help ensure that drone operations comply with legal and regulatory requirements and protect the interests of both service providers and clients.

What is the difference between Uav Contract vs Uav Pilot?

AspectUav ContractUav Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, relevant licensesFAA Part 107 certification, flight experience
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often temporary contractsOperational, on-site or remote flying
Employer & IndustryContracting companies, government agenciesDrone service providers, media, agriculture
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on contractual roles and project workFocus on flying skills and operational duties

Uav Contract roles typically involve project-based work with specific deliverables, often through contracting firms or agencies. Uav Pilots focus on operating drones for various industries, emphasizing flight skills and certifications. While both require FAA Part 107 certification, Uav Contract positions are more about contractual engagement, whereas Uav Pilots are operational roles within drone services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV Contract Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Contract Specialist, you need a solid understanding of contract law, procurement processes, and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) industry standards, often supported by a degree in business, law, or engineering. Familiarity with contract management software, regulatory compliance systems, and UAV-specific technical documentation is typically required. Strong negotiation, attention to detail, and communication skills help professionals excel in drafting agreements and managing stakeholder relationships. These abilities are crucial to ensure compliant, cost-effective, and successful UAV project outcomes for both clients and providers.
More about Uav Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Uav Contract jobs? Cities with the most Uav Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Uav jobs? The most popular types of Uav jobs are:
What states have the most Uav Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Uav Contract jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Uav Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Contract jobs are:
Uav Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,445 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

UAV Mechanical Engineer

Swift Engineering

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description
Overview
We are seeking an experienced UAV Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of unmanned aerial vehicle structures and mechanisms. This role focuses on mechanical design, structural components, and manufacturable solutions for advanced UAV platforms.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on design experience, a solid understanding of composite structures, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Salary: $130,000 to $150,000
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop mechanical structures and mechanisms for UAV platforms
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and drawings using SolidWorks
  • Design airframe components, mounts, mechanisms, and structural assemblies
  • Support composite structure design, including material selection and layup concepts
  • Work closely with manufacturing to ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA)
  • Collaborate with aerodynamics, electrical, avionics, and systems engineering teams
  • Support structural analysis, tolerance analysis, and design trade studies
  • Assist with prototype builds, ground testing, and flight testing
  • Perform troubleshooting and iterative design improvements based on test results
  • Maintain mechanical documentation and configuration control

What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work on advanced UAV platforms
  • Close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team
  • High-impact role with direct contribution to flight hardware
  • Dynamic and technically challenging work environment

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
  • 5+ years of UAV-related experience or experience in aerospace or similar high-performance systems
  • Strong experience designing mechanisms and structural components
  • Familiar with 3-D printing techniques
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and documentation
  • Familiarity with composite materials and composite manufacturing processes
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with composite airframes and lightweight structures
  • Familiarity with UAV integration, ground testing, and flight test support
  • Experience with aerospace materials, fasteners, and structural bonding techniques
  • Knowledge of structural testing and validation methods

Working Conditions:
Primarily in an office environment, and shop environment. Periodic weekend or evening work is expected. Travel is expected.
Must be US Person per ITAR requirements due to our contracts.
Swift Engineering is an EOE.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.
Benefits
  • 9/80 Schedule
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

About Swift Engineering
If you're passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.
The pay range for this role is:
130,000 - 150,000 USD per year (Swift Engineering)

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