Demo

Contract UAV Pilot

UAV Talent
Richmond, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/23/2026

ROLE OVERVIEW

Under minimal supervision, the Contract UAV Pilot supports ground and flight operations of an Unmanned Aircraft System during stateside and overseas deployments. Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and mission success, the pilot will function as a cross-functional member of a two-person team, operating as either Pilot-in-Command or Flight Engineer.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements
  • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks
  • Remote pilot a UAS, following a specific flight plan or modifying flight plans to meet mission objectives
  • Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to six (6) months at a time, or as mutually agreed
  • Conduct flight demonstrations for customers at remote locations
  • Assist in furthering and refining training curriculum, documentation, and standardisation materials
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximise mission readiness
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA, host nation, and customer regulations as applicable
  • Perform other duties as necessary

BASIC REQUIREMENTS - LEVEL II

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command
  • Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel required
  • Position is contingent on the ability to pass required flight and deployment physicals
  • Expert knowledge and extensive experience with Piccolo or Quattro flight controllers

BASIC REQUIREMENTS - LEVEL III

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5-7 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command
  • Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred
  • Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel required
  • Position is contingent on the ability to pass required flight and deployment physicals
  • Expert knowledge and extensive experience with Piccolo or Quattro flight controllers

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field
  • Military flight experience is highly desirable
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Private Pilot Licence
  • Experience in deployed UAS ISR operationsROLE OVERVIEW

Under minimal supervision, the Contract UAV Pilot supports ground and flight operations of an Unmanned Aircraft System during stateside and overseas deployments. Responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and mission success, the pilot will function as a cross-functional member of a two-person team, operating as either Pilot-in-Command or Flight Engineer.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform flight operation planning in support of customer-driven requirements
  • Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight safety checks
  • Remote pilot a UAS, following a specific flight plan or modifying flight plans to meet mission objectives
  • Support flight operations outside the continental United States for up to six (6) months at a time, or as mutually agreed
  • Conduct flight demonstrations for customers at remote locations
  • Assist in furthering and refining training curriculum, documentation, and standardisation materials
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to maximise mission readiness
  • Ensure compliance with all FAA, host nation, and customer regulations as applicable
  • Perform other duties as necessary

BASIC REQUIREMENTS - LEVEL II

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command
  • Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel required
  • Position is contingent on the ability to pass required flight and deployment physicals
  • Expert knowledge and extensive experience with Piccolo or Quattro flight controllers

BASIC REQUIREMENTS - LEVEL III

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5-7 years of relevant experience
  • Minimum 500 hours of flight experience as Pilot in Command
  • Must currently possess and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance
  • Must have ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret level security clearance
  • Able to obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred
  • Up to 100% CONUS and OCONUS travel required
  • Position is contingent on the ability to pass required flight and deployment physicals
  • Expert knowledge and extensive experience with Piccolo or Quattro flight controllers

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

  • Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field
  • Military flight experience is highly desirable
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Private Pilot Licence
  • Experience in deployed UAS ISR operations

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $95,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Relocation assistance

Experience:

  • UAV: 5 years (Required)

Location:

  • Richmond, VA 23230 (Preferred)

Security clearance:

  • Secret (Required)

Ability to Commute:

  • Richmond, VA 23230 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

  • Richmond, VA 23230: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

  • 100% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $125,000

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 Contract UAV Pilot?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Contract UAV Pilot career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$91,406 - $117,952
Income Estimation: 
$116,652 - $155,713
Income Estimation: 
$95,070 - $132,417
Income Estimation: 
$101,523 - $112,566
Income Estimation: 
$177,209 - $231,630
Income Estimation: 
$150,558 - $207,290
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
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 Contract UAV Pilot jobs in the Richmond, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • UAV Talent Richmond, VA
  • ROLE OVERVIEW This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The UAV Pilot/Instructor... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Shaw Contract Richmond, VA
  • Job Title Shaw Contract Account Executive Position Overview Shaw Contract is a global design leader in commercial flooring for some of the world’s most cre... more
  • 19 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!