Drone Pilot

Drone Pilot - Group 3 UAS/UAV

Location: Madison, AL

Pay: $75,000 - $100,000 annually

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Drone Pilot to support Group 3 UAS/UAV operations for advanced aerospace and defense programs. This role involves operating unmanned aircraft, planning and executing missions, working with ground control systems, and supporting flight operations both domestically and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Operate Group 3 UAS/UAV platforms as an External Pilot or Pilot in Command

Execute mission planning, launch, recovery, and flight operations

Utilize and troubleshoot ground station software and mission-planning tools

Conduct pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight inspections

Maintain flight logs and operational documentation

Collaborate with engineering, operations, and safety teams

Support testing, field operations, and customer missions

Travel up to 50%, including occasional international travel

Essential Skills

5+ years of professional UAS/UAV flight experience

Experience operating Group 3 UAS platforms

Strong knowledge of ground station software and mission-planning tools

Understanding of autopilot systems, autonomous flight modes, and UAS navigation

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

Class II Medical Certificate

Strong decision-making and situational awareness skills

Preferred Qualifications

250+ Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours on UAS platforms

Experience with QGroundControl (QGC), Vigilant Spirit, or similar software

Military UAS experience highly preferred

Part 107 certification or military UAS qualifications

Experience with BVLOS operations or advanced autonomous systems

Work Environment

Work is performed in a collaborative aerospace manufacturing and flight operations environment. This is primarily a day-shift position, though flexibility is required to support mission needs, testing schedules, and travel requirements.

Why This Role?

Permanent direct-hire opportunity

Competitive salary ($75K-$100K)

Growing aerospace and defense organization

Opportunity to support cutting-edge UAS technology

Strong team culture and career growth potential

Hands-on involvement in domestic and international flight operations

Apply today if you have professional UAS/UAV flight experience and are looking to support advanced unmanned aircraft programs.

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, 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 Dental 401K PTO- both holiday pay and vacation

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.