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Uav Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydweller S.L.

Payload Integration Lead

Mineral Springs, NC · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

Experience with real-time operating systems * Working knowledge of RF communication links and ... Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) * Unmanned Air System (UAS) * Ground Control System (GCS) Please Note

Skydweller

Payload Integration Lead

Mineral Springs, NC · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

Experience with real-time operating systems * Working knowledge of RF communication links and ... Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) * Unmanned Air System (UAS) * Ground Control System (GCS) Please Note

Covered 6 LLC

Be Seen First

UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Troubleshoot UAV systems, payload equipment, and software issues * Maintain visual line of sight ... Experience operating DJI and Autel UAV platforms * Knowledge of FAA airspace regulations and drone ...

Covered 6 LLC

Be Seen First

UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Troubleshoot UAV systems, payload equipment, and software issues * Maintain visual line of sight ... Experience operating DJI and Autel UAV platforms * Knowledge of FAA airspace regulations and drone ...

General Atomics

Test Sensor Operator II

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

... flights. * Assist UAV Pilots in coordinating flight paths test point execution, and sensor ... Participates in the demonstrations and testing of aircraft systems and payloads. * Participate in ...

BLUE OPS INC

Senior Software Engineer

West Palm Beach, FL

$118K - $156K/yr

Design and implement custom operator control station (OCS) user interfaces for USV, UAV, and UGV ... payload control using the ATAK-CIV and ATAK-MIL SDKs * Build heads-up display (HUD) overlays ...

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$38

$76

How much do uav payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav payload operator in the United States is $38.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV Payload Operator job?

A UAV Payload Operator is responsible for controlling and managing the sensors, cameras, and other payload systems on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). They work alongside UAV pilots to capture data, conduct surveillance, or complete specialized missions such as mapping, inspection, or reconnaissance. Their role requires expertise in operating payload systems, analyzing collected data, and ensuring mission objectives are met efficiently.

What are some typical daily tasks for a UAV Payload Operator, and how does the role interact with other team members?

A UAV Payload Operator is typically responsible for configuring and operating the payload on unmanned aerial vehicles, monitoring sensor output, conducting pre-flight checks, and ensuring data is accurately collected and recorded. Daily work often involves collaborating closely with UAV pilots, mission planners, and data analysts to achieve specific project goals and troubleshoot any in-flight issues. Operators may also be required to document mission results and report on payload performance. The role often calls for flexibility, adaptability, and strong teamwork, especially during field operations or time-sensitive projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Uav Payload Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Payload Operator, you need a solid understanding of unmanned aerial vehicle systems, remote sensing, and payload integration, often backed by technical training or equivalent certifications. Familiarity with UAV control software, GPS navigation systems, and payload-specific equipment (such as cameras or sensors) is essential, and FAA Part 107 certification is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate operation, optimal data collection, and efficient teamwork in diverse and often dynamic environments.

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Uav Payload Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,047 per year, or $38 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace & UAV Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Aerospace & UAV Systems

BlackStar

Washington, DC

$210K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are building a safety-critical electromechanical system integrated into a small UAV platform. This role owns the end-to-end mechanical design of ruggedized, field-deployed hardware, including structural design, internal mechanisms, and mechanical safety architecture.

The system must reliably withstand vibration, shock, environmental exposure, and handling while maintaining strict fail-safe behavior across all operating states.

You will be responsible for taking mechanical systems from concept through CAD, prototyping, validation testing, and production handoff in a fast-iteration, small-team engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical assemblies including housings, internal structures, and actuation/safety mechanisms using parametric CAD tools.
  • Develop mechanical safety architecture in collaboration with electrical and software teams (interlocks, fail-safe geometry, mechanical state constraints).
  • Define materials, finishes, tolerances, fasteners, and mechanical interfaces for harsh operating environments.
  • Build and iterate prototypes using in-house fabrication (3D printing, CNC machining, basic manual machining).
  • Execute mechanical validation testing including drop, shock, vibration, and environmental qualification.
  • Produce manufacturing-ready documentation (GD&T drawings, tolerance stacks, BOMs, and DFM packages).
  • Own system mass properties and center-of-gravity budgets for UAV integration.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally on system integration (PCB constraints, connectors, harness routing, mechanical actuation interfaces).
  • Support vendor engagement for machining, injection molding, and production scaling.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of mechanical design experience in field-deployed, rugged, or regulated industries (UAV, aerospace, defense, automotive, or industrial systems).
  • Strong proficiency in parametric CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, Creo, NX, etc.).
  • Experience producing manufacturing-ready drawings (GD&T, tolerance analysis, fits, surface finishes).
  • Hands-on prototyping experience (3D printing, CNC machining, mill/lathe familiarity).
  • Strong understanding of failure modes and design-for-reliability principles.
  • Demonstrated end-to-end ownership: concept design prototype test production transfer.
  • Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with safety-critical mechanical systems (fail-safe mechanisms, safety interlocks, or similar regulated hardware).
  • Familiarity with environmental/qualification standards (MIL-STD-810 or equivalent).
  • Experience with FEA / structural simulation (Ansys, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar).
  • DFM experience for injection molding, metal casting, or precision manufacturing.
  • Background in UAV/FPV systems or mass/CG-sensitive mechanical design.

Work Environment

  • Small, high-ownership engineering team with fast iteration cycles (weekly hardware builds).
  • Close collaboration between mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
  • Strong emphasis on test-driven design, rapid prototyping, and production readiness.
  • Engineers are expected to own systems end-to-end and actively challenge design constraints when needed.

Location & Onsite Requirement

  • Full-time onsite role (5 days/week).
  • Mandatory 1-month onsite training in Kearneysville, West Virginia.
  • After training, relocation to and onsite work from one of the following hubs:
    • San Francisco Bay Area, CA
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • Washington, DC Metro Area
  • Candidates must be willing to relocate; relocation assistance is not provided.

Mechanical Design Engineer, UAV mechanical engineer, aerospace hardware engineer, safety-critical systems, CAD design engineer, SolidWorks, GD&T, DFM engineer, prototyping engineer, CNC machining, UAV payload design, rugged systems engineer, mechanical systems engineer, FEA engineer, defense hardware engineering.