UAS Operator

Aerotek; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Family health coverage

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Drone Pilot to execute safe, mission-ready flight operations for Group 3 UAS/UAVs across CONUS and outside the continental United States. The role requires advanced External Pilot skills, deep ground control and autopilot proficiency, and frequent travel up to 50%, including OCONUS assignments, with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Based in Madison, AL, you will support mission planning, training of junior UAS operators, and meticulous flight-log documentation

Qualifications

• 3+ years of UAS/UAV flight experience.
• External Pilot for Group 3 aircraft.
• Ground station software and mission-planning experience.
• Understanding of autopilot systems and autonomous flight modes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel 50%, including OCONUS.
• Class II Medical Certification.
• Experience with BVLOS or multi-vehicle coordination.

Responsibilities

• Operate Group 3 UAS/UAV as External Pilot and PIC.
• Execute mission plans: launch, recovery, navigation, emergencies.
• Configure and troubleshoot ground station software and mission-planning tools.
• Tune autopilot systems and autonomous flight modes.
• Maintain flight logs and documentation.

Skills

External Pilot

Ground station software

Mission planning

Autopilot systems

DoD Secret clearance

Travel 50%

Flight operations

PIC (Pilot in Command)

Tools

QGroundControl

Vigilant Spirit

Job description

Job Title: Drone Pilot

Job Description

As a Drone Pilot specializing in Group 3 UAS/UAV, you will be responsible for executing safe, precise, and mission-ready flight operations both within the continental United States (CONUS) and outside the continental United States (OCONUS). This position demands advanced External Pilot skills, strong technical proficiency with ground control systems, autopilot technologies, and mission-planning software, along with extensive travel and support for sensitive missions requiring a Secret clearance.

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 OCONUS, to support field operations, testing, and customer missions.

• Adhere to all security protocols required for Secret-level programs.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of professional UAS/UAV flight experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency as an External Pilot for Group 3 aircraft.

• 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 OCONUS.

• Excellent situational awareness and decision-making under dynamic conditions.

• Class II Medical Certification.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 250500+ Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours on Group 3 UAS platforms.

• Experience with Vigilant Spirit or QGroundControl (QGC).

• Former military experience, especially in UAS-related roles.

• Familiarity with BVLOS operations, advanced autonomy, or multi-vehicle coordination.

• Certifications such as Part 107, OEM-specific training, or military UAS qualifications.

• AFCS Codes: 1UOX1, 1U1X1, 1A3X1.

• MOS Codes: 15W, 15C, 15Q.

• Experience from the RC (Remote Control) industry is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

Join a rapidly growing organization with a great work environment and culture. Enjoy opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Work Environment

Work in an aircraft manufacturing environment with a 1st day shift. Be prepared to work long hours when necessary to accomplish mission objectives.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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.

100% health insurance covered by employee, 90% for family members

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

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.