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Uav Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Uav Operator information

See Utah salary details

$9

$20

$47

How much do uav operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav operator in Utah is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.75 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Demand for UAV operators is growing across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services due to increased use of drone technology. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of FAA regulations, and job opportunities are expanding as drone applications become more widespread.

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.

What is an UAV operator?

A UAV operator is a professional responsible for flying and managing unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones. They operate the aircraft using remote controls or onboard software, often requiring certification and knowledge of safety protocols, navigation, and data collection. UAV operators work in industries such as photography, surveying, agriculture, and defense, often following strict regulations and safety standards.

What is a UAV pilot's salary?

The salary of a UAV pilot typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified pilots with specialized skills in drone operation and FAA certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in sectors like aerial surveying, filmmaking, or inspection services.

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

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.

Do drone operators get paid well?

UAV operators, or drone pilots, can earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced operators working in sectors like film, agriculture, or defense can earn higher wages, often supplemented by certifications and specialized skills.

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 popular job titles related to Uav Operator jobs in Utah? For Uav Operator jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Uav Operator jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Operator jobs in Utah are:
Uav Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Operator job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,704 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Business Development Manager - Defense Technologies

Business Development Manager - Defense Technologies

Hypercraft

Provo, UT

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We are seeking a Business Development Manager to expand our presence on defense programs, with a focus on unmanned vehicles, hybrid/electric propulsion systems, and advanced vehicle technology. This role is ideal for someone with military experience, especially those with service in ground and marine vehicle innovation, acquisition, or contracting organizations.

The Business Development Manager - Defense Technologies will identify new opportunities, shape programs, work closely with engineering and product teams, and build strong relationships across the defense ecosystem. This individual must be fluent in defense acquisition pathways, able to position technology solutions, and comfortable representing a fast-moving technology company in front of government stakeholders, primes, integrators, and strategic partners.



Key ResponsibilitiesOpportunity Identification & Capture
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities in DoW ground systems, UGV, UAS, C-UAS, and USV programs and partnerships, and initiatives.
  • Lead early capture strategy including customer engagement, requirements shaping, and competitive positioning.
  • Develop capture plans, teaming strategies, and pursuit recommendations for leadership approval.
Customer & Partner Engagement
  • Represent the company to government organizations including departments, program offices, test centers, and contracting offices.
  • Build strong relationships with program managers, contracting officers, engineers, and acquisition decision-makers.
  • Develop partnerships with OEMs, defense primes, integrators, and key suppliers.
Proposal & Contracting Support
  • Collaborate with proposal teams to develop compliant, compelling responses to RFPs, RFIs, and BAAs.
  • Contribute to technical solution strategy and help translate customer needs into actionable requirements.
  • Engage in contract negotiations, pricing discussions, and deliverables planning.
Market & Technology Insight
  • Track emerging programs, modernization initiatives, and technology trends across DoW ground systems.
  • Provide internal advisement to engineering and product leadership based on operational relevance and end-user needs.
  • Support product roadmaps by providing market intelligence and user feedback from the field.
Internal Collaboration
  • Work with engineering, product, program management, and executive leadership to align opportunities with company capabilities.
  • Participate in demonstrations, field trials, and technical meetings to support customer engagement.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in defense, military operations, program management, government acquisition, or defense business development.
  • Military experience required, ideally with familiarity with program offices, operations, sustainment, acquisition, or technology development.
  • Direct experience with organizations such as GVSC, PEO GCS, PEO CS&CSS, RCCTO, SOCOM, DEVCOM, NAVSEA, AFC, or similar DoW entities.
  • Strong understanding of DoW acquisition pathways, contracting mechanisms (OTAs, FAR-based contracts), and program lifecycles.
  • Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with government stakeholders and defense industry partners.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and proposal-writing skills.
  • Ability to travel 25–40%, including to military installations, industry shows, and program meetings.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting or developing unmanned ground, air, and marine vehicles (UGV, UAV, USV), hybrid/electric propulsion systems, or advanced mobility technologies.
  • Capture or proposal experience with prototype programs (e.g., SBIR, STTR, OTA, RPP).
  • Familiarity with DoW test ranges, experimentation events, or technology demonstrations.
  • Engineering, technical, or program management background helpful but not required.

Personal Attributes
  • Mission-driven and highly motivated to support warfighter capability improvement.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong initiative and comfort operating in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong professionalism and ability to interface credibly with senior military and industry leadership.
  • Team-oriented, collaborative, and able to work effectively across technical and non-technical groups.

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