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Uav Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery. * Oversee day-to-day operations including manufacturing, production planning, supply chain, logistics ...

Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery. * Oversee day-to-day operations including manufacturing, production planning, supply chain, logistics ...

Director of Operations

Sterling, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth and UAV program delivery. * Oversee day-to-day operations including manufacturing, production planning, supply chain, logistics ...

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Uav information

See Washington salary details

$26.8K

$76.5K

$174.5K

How much do uav jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav in Washington is $76,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,872.00 and $109,513.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges UAV operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

UAV operators often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and maintaining situational awareness during flights. Adapting to rapid technological advancements and troubleshooting technical issues with the drone or its software are also frequent aspects of the role. To address these challenges, operators should stay updated on local UAV regulations, participate in regular training, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Collaboration with team members, such as data analysts or surveyors, can also help ensure safe and efficient flight missions.

Is drone flying a good career?

Drone flying is a growing profession that involves operating unmanned aerial vehicles for purposes such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires technical skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and often certification, making it a viable career path with increasing demand in various industries.

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 technical skills in piloting drones, understanding aerodynamics, and interpreting aerial data, typically supported by relevant certifications such as FAA Part 107 or equivalent. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and remote sensing equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make operators stand out in this field. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, compliant, and accurate operation of UAVs for various applications such as surveying, inspection, or aerial photography.

What is the difference between Uav vs Drone Operator?

AspectUavDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot license
Work EnvironmentField, outdoor, industrial sitesField, outdoor, industrial sites
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial, researchCommercial, media, inspection
Job FocusDesign, operation, maintenance of UavsFlying, capturing footage, data collection

Uav (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is a broad term for drone technology, including design and development. Drone Operator specifically refers to the person flying and managing drones for tasks like filming or inspections. While both roles require similar certifications and work in outdoor environments, Uav roles often involve technical design, whereas Drone Operators focus on piloting and data collection.

What is a UAV?

A UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle, is an aircraft operated by onboard computers or remote control. This type of vehicle is also referred to as a drone. UAVs are one of the three major parts of an unmanned aircraft system, which also includes a human controller and systems that allow for communication between the controller and the ground. In recent years, UAVs have expanded from the military to areas like agricultural, scientific, recreational, and commercial activities. Today, this kind of machine may be used to take aerial photographs, deliver packages, spray pest-control chemicals over crops, or even race other drones.

What are the most commonly searched types of Uav jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Uav jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Uav jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Uav job openings:

Infographic showing various Uav job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,453 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

UAV Engineer
Location: Indian Head, MD Department: Engineering Services
Type: Full Time Min. Experience: Mid-Level Salary Range: $105,000 to $125,000 USD per year
Advanced Technology & Research Corporation (www.atrcorp.com) is seeking to fill the following full-time permanent position. Based in Maryland and incorporated in 1973, ATR is an equal-opportunity engineering company with a solid reputation in various engineering disciplines for the government and Fortune 500 commercial customers.
Salary for the position is competitive according to qualifications. ATR offers an attractive comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Dental insurances, free basic life/ADD, and long-term and short-term disability insurances, 401(k) plan, educational assistance program, and 5 weeks of paid leave per year for minimum seniority.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
Qualified persons should apply at:
https://advancedtechnologyandresearchcorporation.applytojob.com/apply
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful applicant will join ATR's Engineering Services Division, working as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, MD.  You'll have an opportunity to work on world-class military programs that support the US Navy's Warfare technology as part of the Energetics Technology Division and Ordnance Component Technology Branch.  The applicant shall work on site with the Data-Driven and Intelligent Systems (DDIS) Engineering team. The applicant will design, develop, and deploy munitions focused AI/ML and Autonomy solutions using UAV technology. DDIS projects include embedded AI for Automated Target Recognition for lethality optimization. As a UAV Systems Engineer, you will play a vital role in contributing to the design, construction, and testing of our UAV systems.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar preferred
  • 3+ years of experience in drone or aerospace system design and development
  • Job experience with Navy or DoD is a plus
SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
  • Strong programming skills (C++, Python)
  • Knowledge of aerodynamics, materials, and mechanical systems
  • Familiar with UAV hardware, software and communication protocols
  • Familiar with object-oriented programming and design, development, and testing
  • Familiar with developing and implementing AI/ML algorithms to enable autonomous and real-time decision-making for UAV swarms
  • Experience with analysis report writing and weekly report writing
  • Possess strong MS Office skills to include, but not limited to MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Pro
  • Possess excellent verbal/written communications skills and attention to detail
  • Some minimal travel required

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance or favorable adjudication of a national security background investigation. Current successful background investigation completion is a plus.
 

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