Demo

UAS Operator

SURV7X, LLC
Indianapolis, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 1/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/31/2026

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location(s): Indianapolis Metro Region; Huntsville, AL; Clarksville/Fort Campbell Area

Travel: Frequent travel is required (up to approximately 180 days annually), including deployment to remote, austere OCONUS operational locations.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and disciplined Deployable UAS Operator to support real-world test, training, and operational missions using primarily Group 1–3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Operators plan, coordinate, and execute unmanned flight operations to support the acceleration of emerging technologies and rapid fielding of new systems to warfighters in the Department of Defense. This is a hands-on, field-oriented role for individuals who thrive in high-tempo, high-consequence missions requiring disciplined initiative and commitment.

Candidates will be expected to work tuning systems in the field, launch aircraft, troubleshoot in real time, and help government partners solve complex problems using unmanned platforms and attack systems.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate unmanned aircraft systems in support of test, training, and operational events.
  • Plan and execute UAS missions using Mission Planner, including waypoint control, diagnostics, and telemetry.
  • Configure and tune ArduPilot-based flight systems; conduct firmware updates and field calibration.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-mission planning, including airspace deconfliction, policy review, and risk assessments.
  • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and meticulously document system performance.
  • Troubleshoot aircraft subsystems, ground control stations, and RF links in field conditions.
  • Coordinate effectively with airspace managers, range control, and customer mission leads.
  • Maintain full deployment readiness and support up to approximately 180 days of CONUS/OCONUS travel annually.
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years of UAS operations experience (military or commercial).
  • Proficiency with ArduPilot flight stacks and Mission Planner software.
  • Familiarity with Group 1–3 UAS platforms.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or eligibility to obtain.
  • Ability to pass deployment medical screening and meet physical travel requirements.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Active DoD SECRET clearance (with ability to receive TOP SECRET/SCI clearance) or Active TOP SECRET clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior military UAS operations experience (e.g., 15W, 7314, or aviation-related MOS/AFSC).
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense operations, R&D, test, or fielding efforts.
  • Knowledge of RF communication systems, EO/IR payloads, and mobile ground control system integration.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a field related to advanced technology or unmanned systems.
  • Experience operating in range environments or restricted airspace.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base pay
  • Full benefits package
  • 401(k) with matching contributions.
  • Paid time off.


Salary.com Estimation for UAS Operator in Indianapolis, IN
$103,901 to $116,722
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a UAS Operator?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the UAS Operator career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$36,729 - $43,784
Income Estimation: 
$78,735 - $141,028
Income Estimation: 
$71,803 - $100,202
Income Estimation: 
$54,055 - $80,653
Income Estimation: 
$90,994 - $125,727
Income Estimation: 
$101,523 - $112,566
Income Estimation: 
$177,209 - $231,630
Income Estimation: 
$150,558 - $207,290
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other UAS Operator jobs in the Indianapolis, IN area that may be a better fit.

  • MISO - Midcontinent Independent System Operator Carmel, IN
  • Job Details In this role, you'll assess the health of MISO's markets-focusing on reliability, efficiency, and incentives that drive desired participant beh... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • MISO - Midcontinent Independent System Operator Carmel, IN
  • Job Details MISO is hiring a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) in Carmel, Indiana. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and... more
  • 29 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!