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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 ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Technical Writer

Bingen, WA · On-site

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 ...

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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Unmanned Aerial System information

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How much do unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Supervisory Program Specialist (Unmanned aerial Systems)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Richmond, KY • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for mission support to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is with the Blue Grass Army Depot located at Richmond, Kentucky. This position serves as the Supervisory Program Specialist (Unmanned Aerial Systems), managing the Blue Grass Army Depot UAS Innovation Hub and overseeing UAS testing andcertification.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes Ensuring Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) policies are met; Recommending improvements for future projects by reviewing technical data; and Creating project plans for Unmanned Aerial System. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12)
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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