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PEOPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESSES LLC

PWS Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems Location : Fort Bragg, NC Clearance Type: Top Secret Responsibilities: * Assist SGM and Deputy TT as UAS/CUAS SME ...

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How much do unmanned aerial jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned aerial in the United States is $192,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $257,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with unmanned aerial vehicles often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing regulations, ensuring safe operation in varying weather conditions, and managing data collected during flights. Proactively keeping up-to-date with local and federal UAV laws, participating in regular training, and using advanced flight planning tools can help address these challenges. Additionally, collaborating closely with team members—such as data analysts and maintenance staff—ensures operational efficiency and data accuracy.

What is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator?

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. Unmanned aerial operators are professionals who control these drones remotely, using specialized equipment or software. Their responsibilities can include aerial photography, surveying land, monitoring crops, inspecting infrastructure, and supporting emergency response. They must follow aviation regulations and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the UAV in various environments.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned AerialDrone Operator
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA Part 107
Work EnvironmentField operations, outdoor locations, various industriesField and indoor settings, operating drones for filming, inspections
Industry UsageAerial surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, inspectionFilmmaking, photography, real estate, inspections

Unmanned Aerial and Drone Operator roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in industry applications like surveying and filming. However, 'Unmanned Aerial' is a broader term that can include various unmanned systems, while 'Drone Operator' specifically refers to controlling drones for specific tasks. Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and are vital in industries utilizing aerial technology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator?

To thrive as a UAV Operator, you need expertise in remote piloting, navigation, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a relevant certification such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight control software, GPS systems, and aerial imaging tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help operators manage missions safely and efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe UAV operations, regulatory compliance, and the successful completion of aerial tasks in various industries.

Is a degree in unmanned aerial systems worth it?

A degree in unmanned aerial systems can enhance job prospects for roles like drone operator or technician by providing technical knowledge of drone design, operation, and regulations. However, practical experience, certifications, and skills often play a significant role in employment opportunities in this field.
More about Unmanned Aerial jobs
What states have the most Unmanned Aerial jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aerial jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aerial jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aerial jobs are:
Unmanned Aerial jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $192,837 per year, or $92.7 per hour.

Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH • On-site

$59K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information (Default Section)
Job Title
Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems
Location
National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)
Job Number
05511
Department
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Job Category
Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Status
Regular
Job Open Date
07/16/2026
Resume Review Date
08/04/2026
Closing Date
08/03/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Summary
The Chief Pilot position exists to manage and execute the vision of the National UAS Training and Certification Center, with a focus on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), electric Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (eVTOL), traditional aircraft flight operations, as well as client and partner collaborations and support. The Chief Pilot leads a team of technical experts and UAS and traditional aircraft crew members to conduct training and education, applied research and development, services, crew currency and compliance, and other operational tasks for internal and external stakeholders. The position supports revenue generation goals working with other senior personnel in the UAS department.
The potential minimum compensation for this position begins at $59,661.00 and is commensurate with education and experience.
Why work for Sinclair College?
The following are some of the benefits that professional staff with Sinclair College receive:
  • Tuition waiver for employee and dependents for all Sinclair courses and programs
  • Support for continued training and education, including tuition reimbursement for other universities and colleges.
  • OPERS pension participation, with 14% employer contribution
  • 4+ weeks of personal and vacation leave, 3+ weeks of sick leave annually
  • 14 days of annually observed company holidays
  • Expansive and competitive insurance programs, including an HSA with annual employer contribution available
  • High quality programs for work-life balance

*SCC has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Organize and execute UAS, AAM Conventional-Take-Off-and-Landing (CTOL) and Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (VTOL), and traditional aircraft flight operations, lab activities, and customer and partner engagements leading a team of technical experts and UAS, AAM CTOL and VTOL, and traditional aircraft crew members
  • Advance revenue generation opportunities including meetings with current or potential clients and support of proposal development
  • Support public awareness of UAS and AAM and advance the Sinclair brand nationally and internationally through demonstrations, speaking engagements, and other outreach activities
  • Manage condition and readiness of UAS facilities, equipment, vehicles, crew qualifications/currency, and training and other resources including those associated with AAM CTOL and VTOL and traditional aircraft to ensure ability to support standard and potential emergency aircraft operations and client support
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Chief Research Officer or Deputy Director for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Requirements
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in related topic required; master's degree in a related topic preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of related aviation, UAS, or AAM industry work experience required
  • Background in aviation with traditional aircraft, AAM, and UAS related experience required
  • Current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required
  • Current Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Commercial Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Instrument Rating issued by the FAA required
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor and Flight Instructor - Instrument Ratings issued by the FAA required
  • Current or ability to obtain an FAA Second Class Medical required
  • Proven prior strategic planning and project management experience preferred
  • Strong personnel management, team building, team interaction and conflict resolution skills required
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills required
  • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and partners required
  • Strong PC skills, including standard office tools and industry specific software packages required
  • UAS operational flight experience on a variety of small UAS required
  • Certification through UAS, AAM, or traditional aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized training program is preferred
  • Traditional aircraft fixed-wing flight experience required
  • Traditional aircraft helicopter flight experience preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using UAS and AAM simulators preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using traditional aircraft simulators and flight training devices preferred
  • Ability to create and use appropriate tools to manage people and tasks required
  • Experience in building an internal/external team to execute tactical operations and advance strategic and business strategies required
  • Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills, including experience in preparing and delivering proposals, reports and presentations required
  • Demonstrated experience developing, packaging, and delivering educational/training content preferred
  • Ability to read, research, and comprehend technical and regulatory documents required
  • Demonstrated experience managing a wide variety of technical and operational projects required
  • Proven ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships required
  • U.S. Citizenship preferred
  • U.S. Passport preferred

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