Drone Pilot / Drone Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Drone Pilot / Drone Operator

Job Description

A Drone Pilot with Group UAS/UAV expertise is responsible for executing safe, precise, and mission‑ready flight operations across both continental and international environments. This role requires advanced External Pilot skills, strong technical proficiency with ground control systems, autopilot technologies, and mission‑planning software, along with the ability to travel extensively and support sensitive missions requiring a Secret clearance.

These positions will travel both CONUS and OCONUS.

Pay and Benefits Summary

Base Pay is $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 a year (paid hourly). Candidates regularly make over $200,000.00 a year with Overtime and Travel Pay.

100% Company Paid Medical Benefits for Employee, 90% paid for family members

Responsibilities

• Operate Group 3 UAS/UAV platforms as External Pilot and Pilot in Command, ensuring safe and compliant flight operations.
• Execute mission plans including launch, recovery, navigation, and emergency procedures.
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot ground station software and mission‑planning tools.
• Manage and tune autopilot systems, including autonomous flight modes and navigation settings.
• Conduct pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections and documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and safety teams to support mission planning and system integration.
• Maintain detailed logs of flight hours, maintenance actions, and mission outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, DoD, and internal operational standards.
• Support training, evaluation, and mentorship of junior UAS operators.
• Travel up to 50%, including international locations, to support field operations, testing, and customer missions.
• Adhere to all security protocols required for Secret‑level programs.

Position Requirements

• 5+ years of professional UAS/UAV flight experience.
• 250–500+ Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) hours on Group 3 UAS platforms OR over 500 hours of other Drone Platform experience.
• Class II Medical Certificate Preferred or ability to obtain one.
• Eligible for or have an Active Security Clearance
• Demonstrated proficiency as an External Pilot for Group 3 aircraft (or extensive experience piloting other drones)
• Hands‑on experience with ground station software and mission‑planning tools.
• Strong understanding of autopilot systems, autonomous flight modes, and UAS navigation technologies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Ability and willingness to travel 50%, including international deployments.
• Excellent situational awareness and decision‑making under dynamic conditions.

Why Work Here?

Join a rapidly growing organization with a great work environment and culture. Be part of a team that values your expertise and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Work Environment

Work within an aircraft manufacturing setting, primarily on a standard day shift. Be prepared to work long hours when necessary to accomplish the mission

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntsville, AL.

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical Dental401KPTO- both holiday pay and vacation

This is a fully onsite position in Huntsville,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.