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$10

$32

$83

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

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned aircraft 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 the difference between Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Aircraft Systems OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Work EnvironmentMilitary, government, commercial sectorsCommercial, recreational, or professional drone operations
Industry UsageDefense, surveillance, mapping, inspectionPhotography, videography, surveying, inspection

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating unmanned aircraft. However, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators often work in military or government settings with broader responsibilities, while Drone Pilots typically focus on commercial or recreational drone flights. The roles overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in work environment and application.

How much do drone operators get paid?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and industry. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in military, commercial, or government sectors, and additional skills like payload handling or data analysis can influence pay rates.

What does a UAS operator do?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operator is responsible for flying and controlling drones or unmanned aircraft, often using remote controls and onboard sensors. They perform pre-flight inspections, monitor flight operations, and ensure safety and compliance with regulations, frequently working with software and navigation tools. Certification and training are typically required for this role.

Is there a demand for drone operators?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators are in increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and public safety, driven by the expanding use of drone technology. Employers seek certified operators skilled in flight, data collection, and safety protocols, with job growth expected to continue as regulations and applications evolve.

What are some common challenges faced by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators in the field?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining situational awareness during long missions, and troubleshooting technical issues with the aircraft or ground control systems. They must also adhere to strict safety protocols and regulatory requirements while coordinating with other team members, such as mission planners and data analysts. Effective communication and the ability to adapt quickly are essential for success, especially when operating in dynamic or high-pressure environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, technical aviation knowledge, and typically a high school diploma with specialized UAS training or military certification. Familiarity with UAS control software, GPS navigation systems, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication enhance performance in dynamic environments. These skills are crucial for safe, accurate, and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft in both civilian and defense applications.

Is 15X a combat MOS?

The 15X Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is a Special Forces candidate identifier, not a combat MOS itself. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators typically hold MOS 15W, which involves operating drone systems in various environments, including combat zones. The 15X designation is used during the selection process for Special Forces, not as a deployed combat role.

What are Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operators are professionals responsible for piloting and managing drones or remotely piloted aircraft. They control flight operations, conduct aerial surveillance, collect data, and ensure the safe operation of unmanned aircraft, often for military, commercial, or research purposes. UAS Operators must be skilled in navigation, communication, and equipment maintenance, as well as adhering to strict safety and regulatory guidelines. Their work supports a variety of missions, from reconnaissance and mapping to disaster response and infrastructure inspection.
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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator jobs near you
Flight Test Engineer - Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Flight Test Engineer - Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Griffon Aerospace

Madison, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

ABOUT GRIFFON AEROSPACE

Griffon Aerospace is a Huntsville-based engineering and manufacturing company with a 30-year legacy of designing, building, and testing high-performance unmanned aerial targets, UAS platforms, and advanced aviation systems for U.S. and allied defense customers. Our team combines flight test discipline with hands-on engineering rigor to deliver mission-critical systems that perform under the most demanding conditions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Griffon Aerospace is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer (FTE) to support developmental and operational tests and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and avionics systems. The successful candidate will bring disciplined flight test methodology to every phase of a program lifecycle – from concept and planning through execution, data reduction, and final reporting – while serving as a trusted technical authority and project leadership resource across Griffon's test portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead all phases of flight test from initial planning and safety review through execution, data collection, analysis, and final report recommendations, ensuring on-schedule program delivery.
  • Serve as project engineer on developmental, operational, and research test programs involving fixed-wing UAS.
  • Apply rigorous flight test discipline across all planning activities, deployed operations, and post-flight data reduction to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and data integrity.
  • Interface with government test organizations, prime contractors, and subcontractors to coordinate technical and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities, and resolve daily scheduling issues.
  • Review modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations (GCS), and associated support equipment; identify and communicate potential issues to program leadership.
  • Assess both subjective and objective data acquired during test execution and provide actionable recommendations to engineering and program leadership.
  • Support PX4 mission planning activities and contribute to flight controller configuration, parameter management, and pre-flight verification procedures.
  • Represent Griffon Aerospace professionally as a technical contact with government customers and oversight agencies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field.
  • 6+ years of engineering experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a DoD environment preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in aerospace test and evaluation; recognized ability to function as an aviation test engineering expert.
  • Hands-on experience with UAS flight test planning and execution.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / SCI DoD security clearance; U.S. Citizenship required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Familiarity with PX4 autopilot architecture, parameter tuning, and EKF2 sensor fusion.
  • Background in UAS avionics integration, including GPS/GNSS anti-jam or alternative navigation systems.
  • Prior experience interfacing with government T&E agencies.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to rapidly assimilate new technical concepts and apply them accurately in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to author test plans, safety documents, and technical reports to government standards.
  • Demonstrated team leadership capability with ability to guide less-experienced engineers.
  • Proven ability to professionally represent Griffon Aerospace to government and customer stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and composure under operational tempo and schedule pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a full-time, onsite position with domestic travel requirements up to 25% in support of flight test campaigns at government and contractor test ranges. The role involves extended periods of standing, occasional heavy equipment handling, exposure to high noise levels and adverse weather, and operation of hand tools and ground support equipment.

Location: Huntsville, AL (Onsite) | Domestic Travel up to 25%

Clearance: Top Secret / SCI Eligible – U.S. Citizenship Required


Job Posted by ApplicantPro