1

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 ...

Industrial Engineer

Madison, AL · 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 · On-site

$60K - $81K/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

$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 · 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.Key ...

Showing results 21-40

Unmanned Aerial System information

See salary details

$10

$32

$83

How much do unmanned aerial system jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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.

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:

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.

Staff Pilot Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

Emerado, ND • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$168K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Pilot to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test & Evaluation organization.

This position is located in Emerado, North Dakota. This UAS Pilot will support developmental test and production acceptance flights for the RQ-4 Range Hawk program. Key Responsibilities: Defines test plans, organizes and executes complex flight programs and flight test events in accordance with military, FAA and ICAO procedures as applicable Conduct briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies Conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities as required Travel to test or customer sites as required Selected candidate must successfully complete RQ-4 UAS training and qualification as a basis for continued employment We offer a 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do. Basic Qualifications: Must have a Bachelors degree and 12 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities OR a Masters degree and 10 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities OR a Doctorate degree and 8 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in aerospace test activities Must have experience as a flight operations crew member Flight test experience Must be commercial instrument rated pilot (FAA or military equivalent), with current FAA Class II Medical or better. Must have a minimum of 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command and able to maintain instrument currency in manned aircraft Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance Must be willing to maintain the appropriate medical clearance(s), as defined per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment.

Must be willing to obtain and maintain all training qualifications, as needed per the customer's contracting requirements, for the duration of your employment. Preferred Qualifications: Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics Current type rating as a pilot on RQ-4 aircraft Test Pilot School graduate Military flight experience Aviation instructor experience Active US Government Secret Clearance or higher What We Offer: At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career.

We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, and a great 401K matching program. Primary Level Salary Range: $168,200.00 - $252,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939