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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Survice

Entry Level Technician

Churchville, MD · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) / Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Technicians with mechanical and/or electrical skills or acuity in support of our Applied Technology Operation located in Churchville ...

Survice

UAV/UGV Technician

Churchville, MD · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aerial Vehicle (UAV) / Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Technicians with mechanical and/or electrical skills and experience in support of our Applied Technology Operation located in Churchville ...

Fives-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for surveying and mapping projects. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting ...

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle information

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$18K

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$89.5K

How much do unmanned aerial vehicle jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned aerial vehicle in the United States is $47,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unmanned aerial vehicle?

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that operate without a human pilot on board. They can be controlled remotely by an operator or fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight plans or sophisticated automation systems. UAVs are used in a variety of fields, including military operations, agriculture, aerial photography, surveying, and delivery services. Their ability to access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas makes them valuable tools for many industries. As technology advances, UAVs continue to expand their capabilities and applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned aerial vehicle operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Operator, you need strong technical aptitude in piloting drones, understanding aeronautics, and interpreting flight data, typically supported by a relevant license or certification such as the FAA Part 107. Familiarity with UAV control software, GPS navigation systems, and data processing tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication set standout operators apart. These skills ensure safe, precise UAV operations and enable effective coordination in diverse industries like surveying, agriculture, and emergency response.

What are some of the common challenges faced by unmanned aerial vehicle operators in their daily work?

UAV operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing strict regulatory compliance, and troubleshooting technical issues with flight systems or payloads. They must also maintain constant situational awareness to ensure safe operations, especially when coordinating with other team members or operating in complex environments like urban areas or near restricted airspace. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial for handling unexpected scenarios and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aerial Vehicle vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Aerial VehicleDrone Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, pilot license
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, design, testing, and operationFlying drones in various locations for commercial or recreational purposes
Industry UsageManufacturing, defense, researchMedia, agriculture, inspection, filmmaking

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the actual aircraft, often used in manufacturing, research, or defense. Drone pilots are licensed operators who control UAVs for commercial or recreational purposes. While UAVs refer to the technology itself, drone pilots are the professionals who operate these devices. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in job focus and work environment.

More about Unmanned Aerial Vehicle jobs

What states have the most Unmanned Aerial Vehicle jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aerial Vehicle jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle jobs are:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,894 per year, or $23 per hour.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 is seeking a Level 4 Senior Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot will pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during developmental test and operational flights. Remotely pilot vehicle to determine compliance with specification and operational suitability during engineering tests and flight test/demonstration support through specifically prescribed tests and maneuvers. Defines, plans, organizes, and executes complex

flight programs and flight test events. Conducts briefings and debriefings, and coordinates with maintenance personnel to analyze and correct vehicle discrepancies. May conduct demonstration flights with customers, government officials or other personnel to exhibit vehicle performance, flying qualities and system capabilities. Must have an existing FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) with an instrument rating.

Pilot will work in greater Washington DC area and deploy to OCONUS field locations periodically/as scheduled as part of their job responsibilities. All initial position training will be conducted at our Chantilly, VA facility (4-6 months).

Basic Qualifications:

  • 12 years of experience OR a Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's Degree and 6 years of experience
  • Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient using MS Office applications and have had experience using mission planning software such as Falcon View.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must meet medical requirements and vaccinations for worldwide travel.
  • Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.
  • Must be willing to accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 90 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements.
  • Must have an FAA Commercial Pilots Certificate (ASEL and/or AMEL) and Instrument rating.
  • Must have a minimum of 1000 hours of total documented time (airplane, helicopter, powered lift)
  • Must be able to obtain a FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.
  • Must possess and be able to maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo a polygraph.
  • Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aviation Instructor/Evaluator experience.
  • Previous simulator instructor experience
  • Familiar with aviation technical data and training development.
  • A current SCI clearance and polygraph.
  • Previous military pilot training (including Unmanned Pilots) strongly preferred.

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The 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.

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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

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