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Uav Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$56K - $168K/yr

... Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers ... Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively ...

V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

... Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers ... Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively ...

... Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers ... Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively ...

V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$56K - $168K/yr

... Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers ... Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively ...

V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $27/hr

... Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers ... Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively ...

Showing results 21-40

Uav Operator information

See Texas salary details

$9

$20

$46

How much do uav operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav operator in Texas is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $19.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a UAV operator do?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator is responsible for piloting drones or remotely operated aircraft for various purposes, such as surveillance, mapping, inspections, or deliveries. They plan flight paths, operate the drone systems, monitor equipment, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. UAV Operators may work in fields like agriculture, construction, law enforcement, or filmmaking, and they often analyze the data or footage collected during flights. Proper training and certification are usually required to operate UAVs professionally and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV operator?

To thrive as a UAV Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a relevant certification such as an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with UAV flight control systems, GPS navigation software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient UAV operations and for delivering accurate data or services in various industries.

What are some common challenges UAV operators face when coordinating with ground teams during missions?

UAV Operators often work closely with ground teams to ensure mission objectives are met efficiently and safely. One common challenge is maintaining clear and consistent communication, especially in dynamic environments where mission parameters can change rapidly. Operators must be adept at interpreting real-time data and relaying critical information to ground personnel, sometimes under tight time constraints. Additionally, synchronizing UAV flight paths with ground team movements requires strong situational awareness and adaptability to avoid operational conflicts.

What is the difference between Uav Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUav OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification typically required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, agriculture, surveillanceAerial photography, videography, inspections
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private companies, militaryMedia companies, real estate, film production

Both Uav Operators and Drone Pilots often hold FAA Part 107 certification and work in similar environments. However, Uav Operators tend to focus more on operational control and data collection in industrial or surveillance settings, while Drone Pilots often specialize in aerial photography and videography for media or real estate. The roles overlap significantly, but the context of work and industry focus can differ.

Do UAV operators make a lot of money?

UAV (drone) operators can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000 annually, while experienced operators working in specialized fields like aerial surveying or military applications can earn over $100,000 per year. Certifications and technical skills in operating and maintaining UAVs can also influence earning potential.

Is there a demand for UAV operators?

UAV operators are in increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and surveillance due to the growing use of drones for data collection and inspection. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of drone regulations, and job opportunities are expanding as drone technology becomes more integrated into various sectors.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Uav Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Uav Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Uav Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,625 per year, or $20 per hour.

V-BAT Air Vehicle Operator

Dallas, TX • On-site

Shield AI
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$56K - $168K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

V-Bat Air Vehicle Operator

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide.

V-Bat Air Vehicle Operators (Level 1-5) perform flight operations, testing, training, demonstrations, and maintenance in CONUS and OCONUS environments depending on customer requirements. Candidates must be willing to become proficient in a variety of V-Bat specific AVO skills based on the unique demands of the position for which they are applying.

Six different teams and opportunities you could work for:

  • Deployed Operations AVOs support DoD and foreign customers in an operational capacity during maritime and land-based OCONUS deployments.
  • Instructor AVOs develop and teach programs of instruction based on an institutional and operational knowledge of the V-Bat system and air vehicle operations.
  • Training/Standardization and Evaluation - AVOs assigned to Training, Standardization, and Evaluation are responsible for developing and delivering Programs of Instruction (POIs) for the V-BAT system to both internal and external customers. They serve as subject matter experts (SMEs), providing high-quality instruction and ensuring operators are trained to the highest standards of safety, proficiency, and mission effectiveness. In this role, AVOs establish, maintain, and enforce standardization across V-BAT flight operations, ensuring consistency in procedures, evaluations, and best practices. They also conduct evaluations and provide actionable feedback to uphold operational excellence and safe, effective flight operations.
  • Demo/Business Development AVOs perform flight demonstrations for potential customers in both CONUS and OCONUS locations.
  • Production Flight Testing AVOs test newly produced V-Bat systems and rely on pilot and maintenance skills to ensure quality control and fleet readiness.
  • Engineering Research & Development AVOs perform research and development flights and push the boundaries of innovation in the unmanned air vehicle space.
  • Support SME The UAS Support SME will delight customers (internal and external) by providing advanced (L2) troubleshooting and support for issues encountered in the field. In addition to serving as link between our engineers and our customers, this role will assist in documenting and developing a robust knowledge base including troubleshooting guides, system FAQs, and training support materials.
  • Experimental Flight Testing/R&D Operators will collaborate with engineering teams to execute integration, ground tests, and flight tests, ensuring seamless interactions between various components and systems of the V-Bat UAV platform. They will provide regular and insightful feedback to flight test engineers, flight control engineers, propulsion engineers, ground control station development engineers, technical directors, and product managers. Your inputs will be crucial in refining and enhancing the platform's performance. This role will also contribute to the development of comprehensive training materials, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation. Lastly, you will actively participate in brainstorming sessions and discussions on improvements, optimizations, and innovations for the V-Bat platform. Your insights will contribute to its growth and evolution and help pave the way for the effective utilization and maintenance of current and future variants of the V-Bat system.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to work independently and lead in a small team environment, often in austere locations, while delighting the customer
  • Ability to pass background check and drug screening in accordance with company policy
  • Ability to pass medical and dental screenings as required by customers
  • Ability to possess a Secret DoD security clearance as required by customers

Desired Qualifications:

  • Prior experience with other manned or unmanned systems
  • Prior military service with overseas assignments
  • Maritime/shipboard UAS experience
  • FAA Ratings (Part 107/Private Pilot/Commercial/Instrument/CFI)
  • A&P certified

$56,000 - $168,000 a year

Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.