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Unmanned Aerial System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a technical writer, the engineer will be responsible to create Work Instruction Documents for Installation/Removal and Assembly/Disassembly, etc. activities for the unmanned aerial system, sub ...

* As a technical writer, the engineer will be responsible to create Work Instruction Documents for Installation/Removal and Assembly/Disassembly, etc. activities for the unmanned aerial system, sub ...

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 ...

Industrial Engineer

Madison, AL

$62K - $84K/yr

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and refining unmanned aerial system manufacturing layouts that maximize throughput, minimize waste, and scale with our rapid production growth.

Industrial Engineer

Madison, AL ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and refining unmanned aerial system manufacturing layouts that maximize throughput, minimize waste, and scale with our rapid production growth.

Industrial Engineer

Madison, AL ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and refining unmanned aerial system manufacturing layouts that maximize throughput, minimize waste, and scale with our rapid production growth.

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Unmanned Aerial System information

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How much do unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Unmanned Aerial System jobs? Cities with the most Unmanned Aerial System job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs? The most popular types of Unmanned Aerial System jobs are:
What states have the most Unmanned Aerial System jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aerial System jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aerial System jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aerial System jobs are:
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial System 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 $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH โ€ข 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