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Unmanned Aerial System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ManTech

Unmanned Aerial Systems Expert

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$116K - $194K/yr

MANTECH seeks a career and customer-oriented Unmanned Aerial Systems Expert to join our team in ... War Acquisition University (WAU) or DHS System Engineering or Test and Evaluation Certifications ...

Sinclair Community College

$59K/yr

... 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 ...

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How much do unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned aerial system in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unmanned aerial system?

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) refer to aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. These systems typically include the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground control stations, and communication links between the components. UAS are used for a variety of purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, agricultural monitoring, and military operations. They offer advantages like reducing risk to human life, accessing hard-to-reach areas, and providing real-time data. As technology advances, their applications continue to expand across multiple industries.

What does an unmanned aerial system operator do?

Various industries use unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including agriculture, manufacturing delivery services, oil and gas, first response, and the military. Working with UAS, your responsibilities may involve operating drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, programming flight paths, and providing maintenance and repairs to control devices and other equipment. Your exact duties may vary depending on the position, but you can find opportunities as a systems operator, a systems repairer, a flight observer, or a pilot. You can also become an unmanned aerial systems instructor.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an unmanned aerial system operator?

To succeed as an Unmanned Aerial System Operator, you need technical proficiency in piloting drones, knowledge of aviation regulations, and often a Part 107 FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and remote sensing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate operations and effective mission outcomes across industries like agriculture, construction, and public safety.

What challenges do unmanned aerial system operators face during field operations?

Unmanned Aerial System operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining situational awareness in complex airspace, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Field operations also require effective troubleshooting of hardware or software issues that may arise unexpectedly. Additionally, UAS operators must coordinate closely with team members and other stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient mission execution while managing multiple tasks under time constraints.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial System vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Aerial SystemDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot license
Work EnvironmentIncludes aircraft, ground control, and software; used in various industriesOperates drones in field or designated areas for filming, inspection, or surveying
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial, research, and public safetyFilmmaking, real estate, agriculture, inspection services

While a drone pilot primarily focuses on operating drones, an Unmanned Aerial System encompasses the entire setup, including hardware, software, and operational procedures. Both roles require similar certifications, but the UAS role often involves broader responsibilities such as system maintenance and data analysis.

What jobs can you get with a Unmanned Aerial System degree?

A degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can lead to jobs such as drone pilot, UAS operator, or remote sensing analyst. These roles often require knowledge of drone operation, FAA certifications, and skills in data analysis, mapping, or surveillance in industries like agriculture, construction, or public safety.
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Unmanned Aerial System jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial System job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Aerial Operator/

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Ai Signal Research Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Ai Signal Research Incexternal

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

AI Signal Research, Inc. (ASRI) is recruiting for the Redstone Test and Engineering Services (RTES) contract in support of the Redstone Test Center mission to provide superior technical expertise conducting tests, analyzing the results, and reporting the results on systems, subsystems, and components related to aviation, missile, and sensor platforms.

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Months/Years of Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience designing, building and operating Group 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Required Qualifications:  U.S. Citizen.  Must have or be able to obtain a security clearance. Must meet current FAA standards for UAV operators and minimum flight time and qualification requirements for UAV operators as defined in AR 95-20, able to maintain current DoW specialized aircraft system qualification; and possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate or DoW equivalent. Must have a minimum of 2,000 live flight hours (not simulator). Must be able to demonstrate ability to apply practical knowledge of flight testing on UAS. UAS autopilot tuning and planning knowledge and experience required. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D Manufacturing experience is required. Candidate must have the ability to operate DoW Group 1 and 2 Multirotor and Fixed Wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in multiple flight modes from a Ground Controlled Station (GCS).

Desired Qualifications:  UAS autopilot (such as Ardupilot and Q Ground Control) knowledge and experience is preferred but not required.

Duties: 

  • Incumbent will serve as an unmanned aircraft systems operator (UAS) and will be responsible for conducting developmental testing of unmanned aircraft.
  • Incumbent will also provide UAS flight support for Counter UAS testing.
  • Plans and analyzes flight missions.
  • Deploys the tactical UAV ground and air system.
  • Operates and performs operator maintenance on communications equipment, power sources, light and heavy wheel vehicle, and crane operations.
  • Launches and recovers the air vehicles from runways.
  • Performs pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and procedures.
  • Directs emplacement of ground control station and directs emplacement of launch and recovery systems.

Comments:  Compliance with health mandates as dictated by the contract may be required as a condition of employment.  Employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment.