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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

$52K - $108K/yr

Experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems * Experience with Electronic Warfare * Secret clearance * HS diploma or GED Nice If You Have: * Experience being deployed in a combat or combat advisor role

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator information

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

As of Aug 11, 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 unmanned aircraft systems operators make?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills or security clearances can earn higher salaries, especially in defense or commercial applications.

Do unmanned aircraft systems operators get paid well?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced operators with certifications and specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in defense, security, or commercial sectors.

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?

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.

What is an unmanned aircraft systems operator?

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
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

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

Cortek Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

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

Washington, DC

Onsite

Cortek 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 CORTEK

Founded 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) Employer

CORTEK 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 Requests

CORTEK 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-Verify

As 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-Discrimination

CORTEK will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own

 

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