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Unmanned Aerial System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

RF Datalinks Systems Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

... for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Work includes: RF components research, analysis, trade-off, RF link budget analysis, SATCOM Coverage analysis, lab and flight line testing and interfacing with ...

Grupo Oesía

Systems Engineer

Chinquapin, NC

Responsibilities: * Defining communications requirements for unmanned aerial systems. * Defining the architecture and functional specifications of the communications subsystem. * Designing and ...

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Unmanned Aerial System information

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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.
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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.

Mission Autonomy Project Engineer

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
Project Engineers lead multi-disciplinary teams to architect, integrate, and field system-of-systems solutions for cutting edge Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA is a growing center of excellence seeking high-performing technical contributors and future leaders. This candidate will join the Resilient ISR Capabilities Project Engineering group, leading system-of-systems integration efforts, developing interoperability frameworks, cultivating customer-facing relationships and networks, and delivering mission capability solutions that enable cross-platform collaboration and meet end users'/customers' requirements and CONOPs across joint and coalition operations.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for leadership of the engineering team for assigned ISR Mission Autonomy projects and/or programs.
  • Build and lead multi-disciplinary teams to architect, integrate, and field practical system-of-systems solutions for cutting edge Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) on schedule.
  • Collaborate across the company and customer communities as required to support the successful definition, capture and execution of ISR Mission Autonomy projects and/or programs.
  • Maintain cognizance over engineering activities across assigned product line(s) and ensure integration of best engineering practices from across the company.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated Experience (Required)
    • Leadership of multi-disciplinary teams to architect, integrate, and field practical system-of-systems solutions for cutting edge Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) on schedule.
    • Using Systems Engineering principles and practices to drive efficient delivery of systems-of-systems solutions to complex problems.
    • Leading the development and delivery of system-of-systems solutions that involved significant Software Engineering scope.
    • Cost Account Manager (CAM) using the Earned Value Management System (EVMS).
    • Supporting the development and submission of new program proposals.
  • Demonstrated Experience in these areas is highly desirable:
    • Leadership in the design, integration and test of Automation, Autonomy and/or Artificial Intelligence solutions for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
    • Link-16 integration solutions for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
    • Multi-INT sensor data fusion and/or Automatic Target Recognition (ATR).
    • AI/ML Pipeline development and execution for computer vision models.
  • Experience working directly with GA-ASI Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms and their external interfaces, including understanding of critical integration points for MQ-9, MQ-1, and Avenger systems is highly desirable.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance is required. Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance is highly desirable.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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