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Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Integer

Systems Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

Executing this approach for distributed maritime operations, which involve multiple unmanned or autonomous systems operating together to achieve a given mission, requires a systems-of-systems ...

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How much do unmanned systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for unmanned systems 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 an unmanned systems job?

An Unmanned Systems job involves designing, operating, and maintaining autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles, such as drones, robots, or underwater systems. These professionals work in industries like defense, agriculture, logistics, and surveillance. Responsibilities may include system programming, data analysis, troubleshooting, and mission planning. Strong technical skills in robotics, electronics, and artificial intelligence are often required.

What does an unmanned systems professional do?

Professionals in Unmanned Systems often spend their days planning and executing missions, operating and maintaining unmanned vehicles or drones, conducting data collection or surveillance, and troubleshooting technical issues. They frequently collaborate with engineers, project managers, and data analysts to ensure successful integration and operation of the systems. Attention to safety protocols and regulatory compliance is a regular part of the job. Additionally, ongoing training to stay current with emerging technologies is common, providing opportunities for professional growth in this rapidly evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in unmanned systems?

To thrive in Unmanned Systems, you need strong skills in robotics, remote vehicle operation, systems integration, and often a background in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with industry-standard platforms such as UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) control software, ground control stations, and relevant certifications like Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (for drones) are important. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help ensure mission success and operational safety. These competencies are crucial because unmanned systems roles often involve complex technical challenges, strict regulations, and collaborative project environments.

How much do unmanned systems make?

Salaries for unmanned systems professionals vary based on experience, role, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Experienced engineers or specialists with advanced skills in drone technology, robotics, or automation can earn over $100,000 per year. Certifications and proficiency with specific tools or systems can also influence compensation.
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Unmanned Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unmanned Systems 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 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Technical Lead - Autonomous & Unmanned Systems (FedD179)

Defense Unicorns

Remote

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

EMPLOYER IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. THIS POSITION REQUIRES U.S. CITIZENSHIP.Role Description: 

Defense Unicorns seeks a Senior-level Engineer to lead the development and implementation of Defense Unicorns' Autonomy and Unmanned Systems Domain.  This role will work closely with fellow platform engineers, software engineers, and warfighters.

What You'll Work On:
  • Deliver interfaces for managing individual assets and large fleets of autonomous and unmanned systems.
  • Design and implement data-rich UIs that reflect real-time and distributed system state.
  • Work with stakeholders to develop workflows for deploying, updating, and monitoring systems across edge, remote, and disconnected environments.
  • Handle complex state management and asynchronous data flows.
  • Integrate frontend applications with backend APIs, platform services, and communications technologies.
  • Improve usability and clarity for technically complex operational workflows.
  • Partner with UX to translate complex system behavior into intuitive user experiences.
Responsibilities: 
  • Lead the technical staff and technical baseline of Defense Unicorns' Autonomous and Unmanned Systems Domain, mentoring and growing a team of software engineers and DevSecOps engineers.
  • Own architectural decisions that align with secure software development practices, application security, and CI/CD best practices.
  • Mentor and develop engineers across the team, fostering technical excellence and continuous learning.
  • Communicate technical priorities with product management while advocating for thoughtful management of technical complexity, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
  • Work closely with peers to ensure cohesive architecture across Defense Unicorns capabilities and seamless integration with the common platform baseline.
  • Translate operational imperatives into product capabilities and guide development toward solutions that meet or exceed mission objectives.
  • Serve as the technical leader across software, communications, and platform technologies, helping bridge engineering teams and operational mission requirements.
  • Continually implement features and functionality that improve mission effectiveness and user experience.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and user acceptance testing strategies to ensure reliable, resilient software.
  • Work directly with Mission Heroes (customers) and product stakeholders to define a technical roadmap aligned with mission objectives and company goals.
  • Evaluate new technologies and products, assessing their impact on mission capability, technical architecture, and security posture.
  • Support customer integrations, demonstrations, testing events, and operational exercises as required.
  • Communicate and execute effectively in an asynchronous, fully remote environment.

The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

  • Proven experience leading technical teams developing complex software systems.
  • Expertise solving highly technical problems spanning multiple knowledge domains.
  • Hands-on technical depth in at least two of the following areas:
    • Autonomous systems / unmanned platforms
    • Tactical-edge networking (BLE mesh networking, DIL/MANET, mesh radios)
    • Distributed systems (CRDTs, gossip protocols, eventual consistency)
    • Container and software supply chain tooling (Kubernetes, OCI, Zarf/UDS)
  • Working familiarity with the autonomy and tactical-edge ecosystem, including ROS2/DDS, MAVLink, CoT/TAK, and at least one relevant interoperability standard (STANAG 4586/4817, JAUS, Link16/TADL-J, OMS/UCI, or MOSA/SOSA).
  • Experience leading remote engineering teams and collaborating across distributed organizations.
  • Experience defining technical roadmaps and partnering with product management.
  • Expertise in analyzing complex problems, proposing innovative solutions, and implementing them effectively.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, fully remote environment.
  • U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
  • Expertise and established credibility in Special Operations-specific processes, vernacular, organization, challenges, and technical solutions.
  • Experience integrating software with tactical communications, radio systems, or edge networking technologies supporting autonomous systems.
  • Familiarity with TAK Server administration, CoT message schemas, and ATAK plugin development.
  • Experience with edge AI hardware (NVIDIA Jetson, Intel NUC, Raspberry Pi, or ruggedized compute platforms) in tactical deployments.
  • Experience developing or supporting Authorization to Operate (ATO) systems within the Department of Defense.
  • Experience with automated testing, including infrastructure, integration, and system testing.
  • Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies.
  • Experience with container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.


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