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Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Integration and Test Engineer IV

Roseville, CA ยท On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered ...

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... operator ยท Ability to manage and operate vehicles/trailers ยท Manual machining (working ... unmanned aerial systems (UAS) Designer and Manufacturer that is recognized and respected in the ...

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... operator ยท Ability to manage and operate vehicles/trailers ยท Manual machining (working ... unmanned aerial systems (UAS) Designer and Manufacturer that is recognized and respected in the ...

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Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator information

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$10

$32

$83

How much do unmanned aerial systems operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned aerial systems operator 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 systems operator?

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operators are professionals trained to control and manage drones or remotely piloted aircraft. They are responsible for planning flight paths, operating the aircraft, and ensuring safe mission execution for various purposes such as surveillance, mapping, or deliveries. UAS Operators must understand aviation regulations, maintenance procedures, and data analysis to successfully complete their missions. These roles are common in the military, law enforcement, agriculture, and commercial industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned aerial systems operator?

To excel as an Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator, you need proficiency in piloting drones, understanding aviation regulations, and completing relevant training or certification programs. Familiarity with flight control software, GPS navigation systems, and maintenance protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators respond to dynamic situations and collaborate with teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of unmanned aerial systems in various environments.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by unmanned aerial systems operators in the field?

Unmanned Aerial Systems Operators often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining line-of-sight and secure communication with drones, and accurately interpreting real-time flight data. Operators must also stay up-to-date with evolving regulations and airspace restrictions, and collaborate closely with ground teams to ensure safe and effective mission execution. Attention to detail and quick decision-making are critical for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful operations.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Aerial Systems OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government, commercial sectorsCommercial, recreational, or industrial drone operations
Employer & IndustryMilitary, government agencies, private companiesMedia, agriculture, construction, inspection

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating drones. However, Unmanned Aerial Systems Operators often work in military or government settings with specialized equipment, while Drone Pilots typically operate commercial or recreational drones in various industries. The core skills and certifications overlap, but the work environments and applications differ.

How to become an Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator?

To become an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in drone operation. Many UAS operators obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Experience with drone technology, good communication skills, and understanding of safety protocols are also important for this role.

What cities are hiring for Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator job openings:

What states have the most Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator jobs?

For Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Unmanned Systems (UxS) Technician II

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

PingWind
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$61K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Required Clearance: Secret clearance but must be TS/SCI Eligible
Certifications: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or completion of a technical program in an applicable engineering or science field.
Required Experience: Minimum of 3 years of hands-on professional experience with a bachelor's degree; or Minimum of 7 years of hands-on professional experience without a degree.
Position Description
PingWind is seeking a Unmanned Systems (UxS) Technician II is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, operation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of unmanned systems and supporting technologies. This position provides technical expertise in the development, fabrication, and sustainment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), electrical and mechanical subsystems, embedded hardware, and mission support equipment. The technician works closely with engineers and program personnel to ensure unmanned systems are operationally ready, meet technical performance requirements, and support mission objectives in laboratory, field, and operational environments.
Primary Responsibilities
Typical Responsibilities/Tasks:
โ€ข Extensive experience (5+ years) with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4 flight control systems.
โ€ข Extensive hands-on experience (5+ years) designing, building, and integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS)/drones.
โ€ข Strong knowledge (5+ years) of electronic propulsion systems and combustion-powered propulsion systems.
โ€ข Proficient in building, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical and mechanical assemblies, including: Analog and digital circuits, AC/DC electronics, Electrical diagnostics, Mechanical integration
โ€ข Experienced using electronic test equipment, including: Digital multimeters, Spectrum analyzers, Oscilloscopes
โ€ข Knowledgeable in selecting and integrating electronic components, sensors, and hardware for unmanned systems applications.
โ€ข Comfortable working in laboratory and shop environments using industrial equipment and power tools.
โ€ข Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
โ€ข Skilled in the safe use of hand tools and power tools for fabrication, assembly, maintenance, and repairs.
โ€ข Proficient with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.
โ€ข Hands-on experience using multiple 3D printing technologies, including: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA)
โ€ข Strong understanding of additive manufacturing materials, including: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU
โ€ข Skilled in soldering and de-soldering electrical components, including: Surface Mount Devices (SMD), Electronic sensors, Printed circuit board (PCB) components
โ€ข Ability to perform routine maintenance, diagnose hardware and software issues, and conduct repairs using technical manuals and engineering documentation.
โ€ข Experience assembling hardware, troubleshooting system faults, and performing preventive and corrective maintenance.
โ€ข Familiar with C, C++, and Python programming languages.
โ€ข Proficient using software development and debugging tools, including: Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), Compilers, Hardware debuggers
โ€ข Ability to compile firmware, troubleshoot embedded systems, and resolve low-level hardware and software issues.
Required Qualifications
โ€ข Bachelor's Degree
Desired Qualifications
โ€ข Master's Degree
About PingWind
PingWind is focused on delivering outstanding services to the federal government. We have extensive experience in the fields of cybersecurity, development, IT infrastructure, supply chain management and other professional services such as system design and continuous improvement. PingWind is an SBA certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with offices in Northern Virginia and Huntsville AL.
www.PingWind.com
Our benefits include:
โ€ข Eleven Federal Holidays
โ€ข Paid Time Off accrued each pay period
โ€ข Parental Leave
โ€ข Three medical plan choices with generous employer contribution
โ€ข Dental and Vision Insurance
โ€ข Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
โ€ข Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
โ€ข 401k with competitive matching and vesting schedule
โ€ข Continuing education assistance
โ€ข Short Term / Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
โ€ข Medical, Dependent Care and Commuter Flexible Spending Accounts
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Wellness benefits include Calm Health app and WellHub gym subsidy (formerly GymPass)
โ€ข 529 College Savings Plan
โ€ข Legal Insurance
โ€ข Pet Insurance
Salary Range
$61K-$85k
The pay range for this job is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) job responsibilities, education, certifications, experience, as well as internal equity mapping and alignment with market data, or other applicable laws.
Veterans are encouraged to apply
PingWind, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities, terms, and conditions of employment, or practices on the basis of race, age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin or heritage, disability, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.