1

Unmanned Aircraft System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Specialist

Arlington, VA ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead ARNG efforts to secure and expand National Airspace System (NAS) access. Collaborate with the ... Possess fifteen years of Unmanned Aircraft Systems strategic or operational experience, including ...

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Specialist

Arlington, VA ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Lead ARNG efforts to secure and expand National Airspace System (NAS) access. Collaborate with the ... Possess fifteen years of Unmanned Aircraft Systems strategic or operational experience, including ...

... Flexrotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) perform flawlessly in mission-critical environments ... Prepare delivered aircraft and be responsible for customer acceptance of aircraft, Ground Support ...

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Lvl III

Bingen, WA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Flexrotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS) perform flawlessly in mission-critical environments ... Prepare delivered aircraft and be responsible for customer acceptance of aircraft, Ground Support ...

Unmanned Aircraft Technical Lead

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our expertise lies in aerodynamics, structural design, systems engineering, flight test, artificial ... Unmanned Aircraft Technical Lead Location: Irvine, CA Job Id: 1153 # of Openings: 1 About DZYNE ...

Showing results 21-40

Unmanned Aircraft System information

What is an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)?

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) refers to a set of equipment that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, along with the ground-based controller and the system of communications connecting them. UAS are used for various applications such as aerial photography, surveying, delivery, agriculture, and military operations. The system allows for remote or autonomous flight without a human pilot onboard. Regulations and safety guidelines for operating UAS vary by country and are enforced to ensure safe integration into national airspace.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aircraft System vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned Aircraft SystemDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot licenseFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot license
Work EnvironmentDesign, maintenance, operation of UAVs in various industriesFlying UAVs, conducting missions, data collection
Industry UsageMilitary, commercial, research, agricultureMedia, inspection, surveying, agriculture

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) refers to the entire system including the drone, control station, and software, often used in technical, industrial, or military contexts. A Drone Operator specifically focuses on the pilot aspect of flying UAVs for various applications. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, UAS professionals may be involved in system design and management, whereas Drone Operators primarily handle flight operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operator?

To thrive as a UAS Operator, you need strong technical knowledge of aviation principles, navigation, and remote piloting, often supported by FAA Part 107 certification or military equivalent. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and various drone platforms is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, situational awareness, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and the ability to respond quickly to dynamic, mission-critical situations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with Unmanned Aircraft Systems often encounter challenges such as adhering to evolving regulations, ensuring flight safety, and managing complex data collected during missions. Staying updated with FAA guidelines and industry best practices is essential to maintain compliance. Additionally, effective communication with team members, such as data analysts and flight planners, helps streamline operations and reduce errors. Ongoing training and certification are valuable for staying proficient with the latest technology and operational protocols.
More about Unmanned Aircraft System jobs

What cities are hiring for Unmanned Aircraft System jobs?

Cities with the most Unmanned Aircraft System job openings:

What states have the most Unmanned Aircraft System jobs?

States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aircraft System jobs include:

Infographic showing various Unmanned Aircraft System job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Cortek Inc

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME)Washington, DCOnsiteCortek seeks a Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Response Portfolio within the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Response and Planning (WRP), Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), U.S. Department of State.This position supports international efforts to strengthen partner nation capabilities to anticipate, counter, and respond to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats, including those involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents. The SME will provide technical expertise, strategic planning support, exercise development, and international engagement to advance U.S. national security interests and protect American personnel, facilities, and critical infrastructure abroad.Duties & Responsibilities• Provide technical expertise on Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), including policy, regulations, operational concepts, technology, and international best practices to strengthen foreign government capabilities.• Support implementation of Counter-UAS National Action Plans (NAPs) and related national strategies by assisting foreign governments with legal authorities, regulatory frameworks, airspace security, interdiction authorities, and law enforcement coordination.• Conduct threat assessments, vulnerability analyses, and risk prioritization to support U.S. Government security assistance planning and international engagement efforts.• Advise partner nations on UAS exploitation methodologies, including forensic examination and technical attribution of recovered UAS platforms to support evidence collection, threat characterization, attribution, and information sharing.• Evaluate C-UAS technologies across the full detection, tracking, identification, and defeat (DTID) lifecycle, including RF, radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), acoustic, and emerging technologies.• Analyze current and emerging UAS threats, including Group 1–3 systems, autonomous capabilities, swarming technologies, GNSS-denied navigation, payload delivery systems, and evolving operational trends.• Provide objective, vendor-neutral technical recommendations regarding C-UAS technologies based on operational requirements, environmental conditions, and threat assessments.• Design, develop, facilitate, and evaluate tabletop exercises (TTXs), workshops, senior leader seminars, and scenario-based discussions supporting international C-UAS preparedness.• Develop exercise materials including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, inject packages, evaluation tools, After-Action Reports (AARs), and lessons learned documentation.• Coordinate C-UAS initiatives across the Department of State, U.S. interagency partners, foreign governments, and international organizations to maximize the effectiveness of security assistance programming.• Build and maintain strong relationships with foreign government officials to promote U.S. operational standards, legal frameworks, and technology adoption for C-UAS threat mitigation.• Represent ACN/WRP during interagency meetings, international engagements, and technical working groups by providing C-UAS subject matter expertise.• Prepare executive-level briefings, congressional correspondence, multimedia products, reports, and strategic communications supporting senior Department of State leadership.• Be prepared for domestic and international travel in support of program activities.Qualifications• Active Top Secret clearance is required with SCI eligibility and a valid U.S. Passport.• Master's degree with demonstrated expertise in Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), aviation security, defense technologies, military operations, homeland security, engineering, international security, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.• Demonstrated experience supporting the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or other U.S. Government security assistance programs.• Extensive knowledge of C-UAS strategy, policy, technology, operational planning, and regulatory frameworks.• Experience evaluating UAS technologies, conducting threat assessments, and supporting technical or operational C-UAS programs.• Experience designing, developing, and facilitating tabletop exercises, workshops, and senior leader engagements.• Knowledge of U.S. legal, regulatory, and policy authorities governing airspace security and Counter-UAS operations.• Experience engaging with foreign governments and international stakeholders on security cooperation initiatives.• Strong analytical, research, and strategic planning capabilities with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.• Experience preparing executive briefings, Action Memoranda, briefing materials, congressional correspondence, and senior leader communications.• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple U.S. Government agencies and international partners.• Familiarity with Department of State operations, foreign assistance programs, and interagency coordination processes is highly desired.Clearance: An active Top Secret Clearance is required with SCI Eligibility. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. About CORTEKFounded in 2003, CORTEK is a distinguished Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism prevention, Counter-WMD (CWMD) support services, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act support.With over a decade of experience, CORTEK has delivered mission-critical solutions to government clients, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Defense (DoD), and other Federal agencies. Our proven track record includes more than 12 years supporting the Department of State's WMD threat mitigation, consequence management, and international security cooperation programs, as well as technical and strategic support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) across Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering, Policy, Operations, and emerging threat domains. CORTEK also provides subject matter expertise supporting international Counter-UAS initiatives, helping partner nations strengthen airspace security, critical infrastructure protection, and emerging technology capabilities.At CORTEK, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, leveraging proven management processes to deliver tailored solutions that drive client success. Our focus on excellence, innovation, and competitive value throughout the project management lifecycle makes CORTEK a trusted partner. Curious to learn more? Visit us at CORTEK.com. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerCORTEK is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by hiring and retaining talented individuals from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, CORTEK complies with all applicable Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination and posts notices outlining these protections in accordance with applicable regulations. Reasonable Accommodation RequestsCORTEK is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation while applying for a position, please email TA@cortek.com or contact Human Resources at (727) 292-1521. Accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. E-VerifyAs a Federal Contractor, CORTEK participates in the E-Verify program to confirm each employee's authorization to work legally in the United States. Pay Transparency Non-DiscriminationCORTEK will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own