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Uav Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING ... Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred

Auterion

Forward Deployed Engineer, Mechanical

Arlington, VA

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role focuses on the mechanical integration, design adaptation, and field deployment of UAV platforms and subsystems, while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional engineering ...

Auterion

Forward Deployed Engineer, Mechanical

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role focuses on the mechanical integration, design adaptation, and field deployment of UAV platforms and subsystems, while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional engineering ...

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA

The Director of Operations works closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to transition UAV platforms from development to scalable production while maintaining quality ...

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Director of Operations works closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to transition UAV platforms from development to scalable production while maintaining quality ...

Heven AeroTech

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Director of Operations works closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to transition UAV platforms from development to scalable production while maintaining quality ...

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All JobsUav Engineer JobsUav Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Uav Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$88.4K

$140.8K

How much do uav engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav engineer in Virginia is $88,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV engineer?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains drone systems for various applications, including military, commercial, and research purposes. They work with hardware and software components such as flight controllers, navigation systems, communication systems, and sensors. UAV Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize drone performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and address challenges like aerodynamics, power efficiency, and automation.

What does a UAV engineer do?

A typical day for a UAV Engineer often involves designing and testing UAV components, writing and debugging control software, and analyzing flight data to optimize performance. You may participate in collaborative meetings with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, to coordinate design efforts and resolve technical challenges. Field testing UAV prototypes is also common, requiring on-site troubleshooting and real-time adjustments. The role blends hands-on technical work with documentation and compliance tasks to ensure projects meet both engineering and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the UAV engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Engineer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering or robotics, proficiency in programming (such as C++ or Python), and knowledge of UAV design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, flight simulation tools, embedded systems, and FAA drone regulations is typically required, along with certifications like Part 107 for commercial drone operation. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in cross-functional projects. These skills ensure safe, efficient UAV development and integration in diverse environments, meeting both technical and regulatory standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Uav Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Uav Engineer job openings:
Uav Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,418 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Platform Aerospace

Blackstone, VA • On-site

$30 - $70/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I-III

DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS

REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING MANAGER

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT
CLEARANCE: SECRET

LOCATION: BLACKSTONE, VA


This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.


JOB SUMMARY:

The UAV Pilot/instructor will support the operation and training of Vanilla UAS. This role will oversee ground and flight operations during stateside training and overseas missions while providing technical support. The Senior UAV Pilot /Instructor will play a key role in mission success and program development through technical expertise and operational excellence.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements
  • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks
  • Remote pilot a UAS, following a specific flight plan or modifying flight plans to meet mission objectives
  • Deliver training programs to new UAV pilots, ensuring adherence to operational protocols and safety standards.
  • Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to four (4) months at a time if needed
  • Conduct flight demonstrations for customers at remote locations
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximize mission readiness
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations as applicable

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL I:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 2-5 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required)
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL II:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 5-7 years of manned/UAS flight experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 years.
  • 2+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEVEL III:

  • High school Diploma or GED and 7-10 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years.
  • 5+ Year of flight Instruction or customer facing technical training experience.
  • Minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as a Pilot in Command.
  • Must have the ability and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance.
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Up to 75% CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required
  • Comfortable operating a UAS in various weather and light conditions.


PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance.

  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred
  • Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations 
  • Vigilant Spirit experience  
  • Quattro FMS experience  
  • Research and development experience  
  • Publication writing experience  
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA  
  • Private Pilot License  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to obtain a DOT physical.
  • Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
    • Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and kneeling
    • Perceiving differences in wire and indicator light colors
    • Operating hand and power tools
    • Lifting, carrying, and/or moving tools, equipment, and components weighing up to 50 pounds
    • Working in confined spaces and around aircraft
    • Ascending and descending ladders or stairs as required


The hourly range for this position is $30.00 to $70.00. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.