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Unmanned Pilot Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... Pilot & Field Testing: Manage hardware trials, tactical field evaluations, and technical validation ...

Sales Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... Pilot & Field Testing: Manage hardware trials, tactical field evaluations, and technical validation ...

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... Pilot & Field Testing: Manage hardware trials, tactical field evaluations, and technical validation ...

Sales Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... Pilot & Field Testing: Manage hardware trials, tactical field evaluations, and technical validation ...

UAS Support Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... pilot, and can be left flying for as long as the situation requires. The UAS Support Technician ...

UAS Support Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Fotokite develops autonomous, high-endurance tethered unmanned aerial systems to help firefighters ... pilot, and can be left flying for as long as the situation requires. The UAS Support Technician ...

AI/ML Engineer II

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

... unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its ... Hands-on experience implementing and evaluating ANNs, CNNs, and RNNs in small-scale or pilot ...

AI/ML Engineer II

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

... unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its ... Hands-on experience implementing and evaluating ANNs, CNNs, and RNNs in small-scale or pilot ...

Unmanned Pilot information

See Colorado salary details

$52K

$137.7K

$211.4K

How much do unmanned pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned pilot in Colorado is $137,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,200.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unmanned pilot?

Unmanned pilots, also known as drone pilots or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operators, are professionals who remotely control aircraft without an onboard human pilot. They are responsible for operating drones for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, search and rescue, and military operations. Unmanned pilots must have a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, safety procedures, and the technical aspects of drone systems. They often require certification or licensing, depending on the country and type of operation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unmanned pilot?

To thrive as an Unmanned Pilot, you need strong knowledge of aeronautical principles, navigation, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Familiarity with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms, flight planning software, and GPS navigation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe mission execution and teamwork. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure regulatory compliance, operational safety, and successful mission outcomes.

What are common challenges unmanned pilots face when operating drones in different environments?

Unmanned Pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining line-of-sight in complex terrains, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must also be prepared to handle unexpected technical issues and coordinate closely with team members, such as mission planners and data analysts, to achieve successful operations. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential skills for overcoming these challenges and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between Unmanned Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectUnmanned PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsRemote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)FAA Part 107 Certification often required
Work EnvironmentField operations, aerial inspections, surveillanceMedia production, surveying, recreational flying
Industry UsageCommercial, industrial, government sectorsMedia, entertainment, hobbyist

Unmanned Pilots and Drone Operators often share certifications like the FAA Part 107. However, Unmanned Pilots typically engage in more complex, operational roles such as aerial inspections and surveillance, while Drone Operators often focus on media production or recreational flying. Both roles are essential in various industries, but Unmanned Pilots usually require more advanced training and experience for commercial applications.

Is there a big demand for unmanned pilots?

Unmanned pilots, also known as drone pilots, are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, film, and inspection services. The growth of drone technology and regulations has expanded job opportunities, especially for those with certifications and skills in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

What are popular job titles related to Unmanned Pilot jobs in Colorado?

For Unmanned Pilot jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unmanned Pilot jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Unmanned Pilot jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Unmanned Pilot job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,661 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Aims Community College

Windsor, CO • On-site

$3.7K/wk

Part-time

Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Aims Community College rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Are you a current Aims Employee, Temporary Worker? If so, to help avoid future access issues, please apply through your Workday account using "Browse Jobs" in the in the Workday search field located on the top center of the screen.
Are you a current Aims Student? If so, to help avoid future access issues, please apply through your Workday account using the Aims Jobs app on your Workday home page.
Are you both an Employee and a Student? If so, to help avoid future access issues, please apply through your Workday account using "Browse Jobs" in the in the Workday search field located on the top center of the screen.
For assistance, please contact the recruitment team at 970-378-3720.
Based on course content, wages will range from $1,297.00 per credit to $3,753.00 per credit.
In certain instances, due to low enrollment, faculty payment will be based on part-time per credit pay and pro-rated on a 10% per student basis.
Part-time employees also receive some benefits depending on the number of hours worked.
  • Tuition waiver for employee on Aims courses
  • Access to the PERC (Aims gym) for employee & one guest
  • Aims Discount program
  • Free parking on all campuses
  • PERA employer (see www.copera.org for comprehensive benefits)
  • Additional supplemental benefits & retirement programs available

Job Description:
Aims Community College actively supports an environment that embraces the College's Mission, Vision, Values and a culture of innovation and care. The College embraces and seeks to hire individuals who want to be a part of this environment and have the skill sets necessary to be successful in this position.
The faculty member will conduct their assignments and co-curricular college activities in a manner consistent with the philosophy and purpose of Aims Community College as stated in the school catalog. The primary purpose of the faculty member is to teach.
The primary responsibility is to instruct UAS ground content, flight training, field applications, and/or engineering courses. Additionally, participation in professional development, designing course materials to meet industry
standards, and collaborating on departmental and college governance initiatives are integral to the role.
Job Duties:
  • Instruct assignments as it applies to UAS and must be available to teach day and/or evening classes.
  • Assist in the development and/or modification of curriculum to meet changing technology in the UAS industry, as well as textbook selection and new courses.
  • Participate in student evaluations, advising, registration, and recruiting and retention activities.
  • Participate in department, division, and college activities while complying with college and Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) policies, procedures, and mandates.
  • Stay current in professional areas by participating in professional development activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Department's Executive Director or Academic Dean.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of science degree plus a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate plus a minimum of 50 hours of recreational/training/commercial UAS operating flight hours logged OR
  • Associate of Applied Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) plus a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate plus a minimum of 50 hours of recreational/training/commercial UAS operating flight hours logged OR
  • 2,000 hours (two semesters) verified full-time experience teaching UAS related coursework (full-time is defined as 51% or more of a teaching schedule dedicated to teaching the content area).
  • Shall hold or qualify for a post-secondary vocational credential in Aviation Technology issued by Aims Community College CTE Office. Contact Landon Loyd for the application at landon.loyd@aims.edu.
  • This position requires the use of a company vehicle for business travel. The selected candidate must successfully pass an MVR and be insurable under Aims insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems or aviation related field.
  • High level of computer skills.

Required Documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • FAA Part 107 - Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Copy of Transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon hire)

All Applicants:
  • Compare your previous work experience to the job duties listed on the job positing under job description. Enter the job duties you have preformed under the "Work Experience" section on your job application. We evaluate your experience based on this information.
  • Please make sure you state whether work experience (aka work history) is part time or full time employment by listing the average number of hours worked per week. This information is used to determine your new annual salary.
  • Be sure to upload all the required documents listed at the above in "Upload these required additional documents" section. This can be uploaded as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section. If there are missing documents, your incomplete application will not be considered.

For information on our hiring practices, please visit our resource page:https://www.aims.edu/departments/human-resources/hiring-process.
Faculty: Upon hire, must submit academic transcripts from an accredited institution. Applicants who have degrees from outside of the United States must request a credential evaluation of their transcript. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) or Association of International Credential Evaluators (www.aice-eval.org) lists members who may be contacted for assistance in evaluating foreign credentials.
All required documents need to be submitted on every application. There is no way for Aims to attach these documents in the process. However, upon hire current Aims Community College Faculty are not required to submit transcripts if official transcripts are already on file.
Aims Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or veteran's status. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date posted and become the property of Aims Community College. The screening committee will select finalists for interviews. The goal of Aims Community College is to enhance the diversity present in the district we serve. To comply with Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, if hired, you will be required to provide documents within 3 days of hire date to show your identity and your authorization to work. This law applies to all persons hired.
Screening/Selection:
In order to be considered please provide a thorough and complete application.
Initial screening will be conducted by a committee based on completed application materials.
Employees in these positions may be asked to participate in temporary assignments lasting less than 6 months (such as curriculum development, short term projects, meetings and substitute duties) which could amount to additional temporary pay.
Upon hire, all positions at Aims Community College require a criminal background check, and may require industry specific screenings such as an MVR, physical and/or drug screen. Keep in mind, a conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being employed. The nature of a conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

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