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Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

$52K - $108K/yr

Share Counter Unmanned Aircraft System Training Facilitator The Opportunity : Provide timely ... Bachelor's degree * sUAS Master Trainer Certification Clearance: Applicants selected will be ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

$52K - $108K/yr

Share Counter Unmanned Aircraft System Training Facilitator The Opportunity : Provide timely ... Bachelor's degree * sUAS Master Trainer Certification Clearance: Applicants selected will be ...

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Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree information

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$97.1K

$213.5K

How much do unmanned aircraft associate degree jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned aircraft associate degree in the United States is $97,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unmanned aircraft associate degree?

An Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate program that prepares students to operate, maintain, and manage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. The curriculum typically covers topics such as flight operations, aviation regulations, maintenance, safety, and data analysis. Graduates are equipped for entry-level positions in industries like agriculture, surveying, public safety, and aerial photography, or may choose to continue their education. The degree often includes practical flight training and preparation for FAA certification, such as the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

What types of entry-level positions can graduates with an unmanned aircraft associate degree expect to pursue?

Graduates with an Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree often start in roles such as drone operator, data technician, or maintenance assistant within industries like agriculture, construction, or surveying. In these positions, they typically assist with flight planning, operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under supervision, perform routine equipment checks, and support data collection and processing tasks. These roles are crucial to larger drone operations teams, as they ensure safe flight practices, accurate data acquisition, and compliance with FAA regulations. Working closely with more experienced pilots, engineers, and project managers, new graduates gain hands-on experience that can lead to advancement into higher-level technical or supervisory positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an unmanned aircraft associate degree?

To thrive with an Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, flight operations, and FAA regulations, typically demonstrated by earning the degree and obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone control systems, flight planning software, GIS mapping tools, and maintenance protocols is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set candidates apart in this field. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft in various industries.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree vs Drone Pilot Certification?

AspectUnmanned Aircraft Associate DegreeDrone Pilot Certification
CredentialsAcademic degree from a college or universityFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, training programs, or entry-level drone operationsField operations, commercial drone flights, aerial surveying
Industry UsageEducation, training, and foundational knowledgeCommercial drone services, inspections, filming

The Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree provides foundational knowledge and academic credentials, while the Drone Pilot Certification is a required license for legally operating drones commercially. Both are essential in the drone industry but serve different purposes: one for education and training, the other for legal flight authorization.

Is a degree in unmanned aircraft worth it?

A degree related to unmanned aircraft can improve job prospects in drone operation, maintenance, and management roles by providing technical knowledge and skills such as FAA regulations, flight safety, and data analysis. However, practical experience, certifications, and hands-on training are also highly valued in this industry. The worth of the degree depends on career goals and the specific employer requirements.
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Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aircraft Associate Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,073 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Engineer - High Speed Unmanned Aircraft

Griffon Aerospace

Madison, AL

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Griffon Aerospace, a leader in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry, is seeking a talented Engineer to support our high-speed aerial target and unmanned aircraft product lines. Our Madison, AL based small business is seeking innovative individuals who want to join an up tempo, maker culture that proudly provides products and services to support the American Warfighter!

This role suits a well-rounded engineer to be comfortable working across the full breadth of a UAV, airframe, propulsion, avionics, and electrical systems, rather than staying confined to a single discipline. Experience with turbine engines is a strong plus.

PRIMARY FOCUS

  • Support design, integration, and test of high-speed unmanned aircraft across airframe, propulsion, avionics, and electrical disciplines
  • Support propulsion system integration, including turbine/jet engine installation, fuel systems, and performance analysis
  • Support aerodynamic, structural, and systems-level trade studies for high-speed airframe designs
  • Support integration and troubleshooting of avionics, flight control, and electrical power systems on high-speed airframes
  • Work across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate propulsion, avionics, and airframe subsystems into a complete aircraft
  • Support ground and flight testing, data reduction, and design iteration across all aircraft subsystems
  • Partner with production and quality to resolve design-for-manufacturing issues

DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

  • 0-5 years of engineering experience, ideally in aerospace or other high-performance systems
  • Experience with turbines or jet engines strongly preferred
  • Broad, hands-on exposure to multiple aspects of UAVs, airframe/structures, propulsion, avionics, and electrical systems, rather than a single specialty
  • CAD and engineering analysis tool experience
  • Hands-on fabrication, integration, or test experience with high-speed or high-performance vehicles (UAS, RC aircraft, FSAE, rocketry, or similar)

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Strong fundamentals in at least one of: propulsion, aerodynamics/structures, or avionics/electrical systems, with willingness to work across all three
  • Ability to work hands-on across disciplines in a fast-paced small business environment
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to support flight test

JOB LOCATION

  • Madison, Alabama, United States

POSITION TYPE

  • Full-Time/Regular

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

  • Competitive Salary/Comprehensive Benefits Package

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

  • Yes

ABILITY TO OBTAIN SECURITY CLEARANCE

  • Yes, ability to gain and maintain a Secret clearance

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