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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bees360 Inc

1099 Drone Pilot - Laredo,TX

Katy, TX · Remote

The 1099 UAS/Drone Inspector at Bees360 is responsible for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle to ... In Kansas, if the new pilot completes 25 credits within 30 days, both the referrer and the new ...

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot information

What is an unmanned aerial vehicle pilot?

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilots are professionals who operate drones or other remotely piloted aircraft. They are responsible for controlling UAVs for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, delivery, agriculture, and surveillance. UAV pilots must understand flight regulations, safety protocols, and how to operate and maintain the equipment. The role may also include planning flight paths, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with aviation laws. Certification or licensing is often required depending on the country and type of UAV operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned aerial vehicle pilot?

To thrive as a UAV Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a remote pilot certificate (such as FAA Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with UAV flight control systems, mission planning software, and GPS navigation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help UAV pilots operate safely and adapt to dynamic situations. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and mission success in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges faced by unmanned aerial vehicle pilots during field operations?

UAV Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, communication or signal interference, and navigating complex airspace regulations. Additionally, coordinating with ground teams and ensuring the safety of people and property on the ground are critical responsibilities. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology and adhering to strict operational protocols are also important aspects of the role. Successful UAV Pilots develop strong situational awareness and problem-solving skills to address these challenges efficiently.

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

AspectUnmanned Aerial Vehicle PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licenseOften FAA Part 107 certification, but may vary
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, or government settingsMedia, photography, recreational, or commercial
Industry UsageSurveying, inspection, mapping, militaryFilming, photography, events

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilots typically hold formal certifications and operate in professional, industrial, or government sectors. Drone Operators often work in media or recreational settings, with overlapping certification requirements. While both roles involve flying drones, UAV Pilots usually perform more complex tasks requiring advanced training and certifications.

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What are popular job titles related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot jobs?

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Sr Principal Pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chantilly, VA • Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 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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