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Unmanned Aircraft Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Operations Drone Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

$48K - $57K/yr

Conduct pre-flight, flight, and post-flight operations for unmanned aircraft systems * Execute mission profiles, flight test events, demonstrations, and training operations * Develop and review ...

Nokturnal AI

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Aircraft Assembly Technician /Builder

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$22.35 - $30.25/hr

Assemble unmanned aircraft systems and subcomponents according to engineering drawings and specifications * Perform mechanical assembly including airframes, mounts, and structural components * Assist ...

Purple Rhombus

Aerospace Engineer II

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Company Description Purple Rhombus designs, builds, manufactures, and tests unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for U.S. government and commercial customers. Focused on producibility, Purple Rhombus ...

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Unmanned Aircraft information

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How much do unmanned aircraft jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned aircraft in the United States is $38.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unmanned aircraft?

Unmanned aircraft, often referred to as drones or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. They are remotely controlled or fly autonomously using pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems. Unmanned aircraft are used in various industries, including military, agriculture, filmmaking, and delivery services, due to their ability to perform tasks that may be dangerous, repetitive, or difficult for manned aircraft. Their popularity has grown rapidly in recent years, leading to increased regulation and technological advancements.

What are the typical collaboration points between unmanned aircraft operators and other teams within an organization?

Unmanned Aircraft Operators frequently collaborate with teams such as engineering, data analysis, safety, and logistics. For example, they may work closely with engineers to ensure proper maintenance and upgrades of the UAVs, and coordinate with data analysts to interpret aerial data collected during missions. Close communication with safety officers is essential to ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and logistics teams help plan and execute flight schedules. This interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for efficient and safe operations, as well as for achieving mission objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned aircraft (drone) operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Operator, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, remote piloting skills, and typically a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and imaging technology is essential for safe and precise operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators manage complex flight scenarios and collaborate with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and successful mission outcomes in diverse aerial operations.

What is the difference between Unmanned Aircraft vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned AircraftDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licensesFAA Part 107 certification, remote pilot certificate
Work EnvironmentField operations, aerial surveys, inspectionsRemote control, on-site or in-office operation
Industry UsageAerial photography, agriculture, surveillanceFilmmaking, real estate, inspections

Unmanned Aircraft refers broadly to the vehicle itself, including all types of remotely piloted or autonomous aerial systems. A Drone Operator is a person who controls or manages these aircraft, often requiring specific certifications. While both roles overlap in industry and credentials, the aircraft is the equipment, and the operator is the person executing the tasks.

More about Unmanned Aircraft jobs
What cities are hiring for Unmanned Aircraft jobs? Cities with the most Unmanned Aircraft job openings:
What states have the most Unmanned Aircraft jobs? States with the most job openings for Unmanned Aircraft jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unmanned Aircraft jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unmanned Aircraft jobs are:
Unmanned Aircraft jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Aircraft job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,655 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer - Senior

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

As a Senior Aircraft Modification Systems Engineer with MTSI you will focus on projects emphasizing integration of sensors, communication equipment, and aircraft survivability equipment. This position will be located in northern VA.
Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
  • Understanding of airworthiness criteria.
  • Flight test of aircraft and modified aircraft to evaluate airworthiness.
  • Knowledge of CONUS-based test ranges.
  • 10+ years of aircraft (manned or unmanned) aircraft modification, systems engineering approaches, and program management.
  • You must have demonstrated skill in in at least one or more technical area: flight test, aircraft modification, systems engineering, stores separation analysis, and unmanned aircraft.
  • An interest and some knowledge of one airworthiness criteria and FAA airworthiness standards technology.
  • You must be able to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment, and meet required schedules and timelines.
  • You must have the ability to interact with aircraft/equipment suppliers, work well with coworkers and teammates.
  • You must have outstanding skills in communicating complex technical issues and in providing comprehensive written, oral and/or digital products (including document organization and technical writing).
  • You must have good analytic skills and the ability to apply these skills in a multi-tasking environment where more than one project may require his/her participation at a given time (typically one primary project and one or two ancillary projects).

Desired Requirements:
  • Specific experience with modification of manned or unmanned aircraft.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products to include Project
  • Experience staffing decision packages in a headquarters environment.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community including acquisition and engineering projects.

Education Requirements:
  • B.S. in an aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, math, statistics, operations research or related field.
  • M.S. in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, math, statistics, operations research or related field, DESIRED.

Certifications Desired:
  • Project Management Professional.
  • Test Pilot/Engineer School Grad.
  • Systems Engineer Professional.

Clearance Requirements:
  • TS/SCI clearance with a Full-Scope polygraph.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

The pay range for this position is $160,000/year to $200,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
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