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Uav Operator Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R5478)

Dallas, TX · On-site

Military background in aviation (e.g., UAV operator, pilot, or aircrew) * Instructor pilot or evaluator experience * Familiarity with FAA Part 107 and/or COA operations * Experience in test ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R5478)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Military background in aviation (e.g., UAV operator, pilot, or aircrew) * Instructor pilot or evaluator experience * Familiarity with FAA Part 107 and/or COA operations * Experience in test ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R5478)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Military background in aviation (e.g., UAV operator, pilot, or aircrew) * Instructor pilot or evaluator experience * Familiarity with FAA Part 107 and/or COA operations * Experience in test ...

Shield AI

Standardization Pilot (R5478)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Military background in aviation (e.g., UAV operator, pilot, or aircrew) * Instructor pilot or evaluator experience * Familiarity with FAA Part 107 and/or COA operations * Experience in test ...

Centraprise

Drone Operator / UAV Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Drone Operator / UAV Pilot - FAA Part 107 Certified Location: Mountain View, CA; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ;

Platform Aerospace

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA · On-site

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training ... Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions. Basic Requirements ...

Platform Aerospace

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training ... Comfortable operating UAS platforms in various weather and lighting conditions. Basic Requirements ...

Centraprise

Drone Operator/ UAV Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Drone Operator/ UAV Pilot Type: Full-time Work Location: * Mountain View, CA * Los Angeles, CA * San Francisco, CA * San Diego, CA * Seattle, WA Required Qualifications Valid Driver's License Own ...

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Uav Operator Pilot information

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How much do uav operator pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav operator pilot in the United States is $28.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a UAV operator pilot do?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator Pilot is responsible for remotely controlling drones or unmanned aircraft. Their duties typically include planning flight paths, conducting pre-flight checks, monitoring the UAV during missions, and collecting data such as photos, videos, or sensor readings. UAV Operator Pilots may work in various industries including agriculture, surveying, defense, and emergency response. They must adhere to aviation regulations and ensure the safe operation of the UAV at all times.

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

To thrive as a UAV Operator Pilot, you need strong technical knowledge of unmanned aerial systems, flight operations, and aviation regulations, often backed by a relevant certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, ground control stations, and GPS navigation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication are critical soft skills for safe and efficient UAV operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and successful mission outcomes in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges UAV operator pilots face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

UAV Operator Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, signal interference, and maintaining compliance with evolving aviation regulations. Managing these issues requires strong situational awareness, thorough pre-flight planning, and continuous education on regulatory changes. Collaboration with ground crews and other airspace users is key to ensuring safe and efficient operations. Staying current with technology updates and practicing emergency procedures also help UAV pilots adapt to unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Uav Operator Pilot vs Uav Technician?

AspectUav Operator PilotUav Technician
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107Aerial drone repair and maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentFlying drones, operating controls, outdoor/indoorMaintaining, repairing, troubleshooting drones
Employer & IndustryCommercial, film, agriculture, governmentManufacturers, service providers, repair shops

The Uav Operator Pilot primarily focuses on flying and controlling drones, often requiring FAA certification, while the Uav Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing drones. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

Do UAV Operator Pilots make a lot of money?

UAV Operator Pilots typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and experience with specific drone systems can lead to higher pay, especially in military or specialized commercial roles.

How do I become a UAV Operator Pilot?

To become a UAV Operator Pilot, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test, complete relevant training, and meet age and background requirements. Pilots should also develop skills in drone operation, navigation, and safety procedures, often gaining experience through practice or certification programs.

Is there a big demand for UAV Operator Pilots?

The demand for UAV Operator Pilots is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and defense, driven by increased use of drone technology. Many companies seek certified pilots with knowledge of FAA regulations and remote sensing tools, leading to a positive job outlook for qualified UAV operators.
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Uav Operator Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Operator Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $58,395 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Mission Operations Specialist (UAS Pilot)

Odys Aviation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled UAV Pilot to join our Flight Test & Operations team as a Mission Operations Specialist.

In this role, you will serve as the primary Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) for our developmental eVTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms, piloting complex, novel aircraft from the Ground Control Station (GCS) during live test events.

Beyond the stick, you will own the operational and regulatory groundwork that makes each flight possible — integrating the GCS, drafting Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), securing flight authorizations, and partnering with engineering to translate test objectives into safe, executable mission profiles. You will leverage your flight test background and deep knowledge of EASA JARUS SORA and FAA Part 107/108 regulations to safely advance our aircraft from early R&D testing through to commercial certification.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary pilot at the Ground Control Station (GCS) during live experimental flight tests, safely executing mission profiles on complex, novel eVTOL UAV architectures.
  • Translate engineering objectives into safe, executable flight test plans and pilot them dynamically within a rapid prototyping and testing environment.
  • Lead the development of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and operational risk assessments. Secure flight authorizations and waivers by applying the EASA JARUS SORA framework alongside FAA Part 107 and FAA Part 108 (BVLOS) regulations.
  • Take ownership of the integration, testing, and troubleshooting of Ground Control Stations (GCS). Ensure seamless command, control, and telemetry flow between the GCS and aircraft via C2 links and high-bandwidth datalinks.
  • Manage the integration, functional testing, and operational deployment of various R&D flight test payloads (e.g., telemetry equipment, optical sensors, ballast systems).
  • Apply established UAS flight test methodologies to optimize test efficiency, safety, and operational procedures for our autonomous eVTOL UAV platforms.
  • Collaborate closely with R&D engineering teams to analyze post-flight telemetry, evaluate handling qualities, validate C2 link robustness, and refine vehicle design based on real-world flight execution.
Required Qualifications
  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with a proven logbook demonstrating significant flight hours as an RPIC on complex UAS or developmental eVTOL UAV platforms.
  • Demonstrated hands‑on experience piloting complex, multi‑rotor, or thrust‑vectored vertical lift UAVs in an R&D, experimental, or operational test environment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aviation, or a related technical field.
  • Professional experience in experimental, R&D, or certification flight test programs — whether as a UAV operator/pilot, Flight Test Engineer, or both.
  • Practical experience executing the EASA JARUS SORA process, coupled with deep expertise in the FAA Part 107 and FAA Part 108 frameworks for complex or Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
  • Hands‑on experience with Ground Control Station (GCS) integration, specifically focusing on:
    • Command and Control (C2) link architecture and performance validation.
    • Datalink integration (telemetry, video, and command streams).
    • Hardware and software payload integration.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with additional FAA aircraft certification frameworks (e.g., Part 21, Part 23, Part 27).
  • Experience with flight test data analysis software (e.g., IADS, MATLAB, Python) to support rapid R&D iterations.
  • Human Factors Evaluation Experience — pilot interface design, workload assessment, GCS ergonomics, or HMI evaluation in flight test settings.
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