Grand Forks, North Dakota, has quickly become one of the nation’s most dynamic hubs for unmanned aircraft systems. With more than 1,260 UAS jobs already in place, 64% industry growth over the past five years and another 500 positions projected in the near future, the region is on a steep upward trajectory. From global defense leaders such as Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to research opportunities at the University of North Dakota and innovative companies like Thread, iSight Drone Services and Meadowlark Aircraft, career paths in Grand Forks are as varied as they are promising.To connect talent with these opportunities, the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has launched a new UAS job board on grandforkscooler.com. The platform was developed after discussions with regional UAS organizations and stakeholders revealed a clear need for a consolidated resource. In the past, job listings had to be compiled manually, making it difficult for applicants to see a full list of opportunities. The new site streamlines the process, creating a single location where job seekers can learn about employers, view openings and upload their resume into a regional talent database, all in a matter of seconds.The resource goes beyond listings. Job seekers can search by company, learn about employers shaping the industry and apply directly through hiring portals. Spouses and partners can also connect with Job Service resources, making relocation easier for the whole family. As an added benefit, any company operating in the region can advertise open positions for free and meet with the EDC to discuss growth strategies and scaling opportunities.“You either reinvent or you die. And you can’t always rely on legacy economic sectors to carry you forward into the future,” said Becca Cruger, director of workforce development at the Grand Forks Region EDC. “So, by focusing on the uncrewed space, we’re really leaning into the future of what our economic base is.”That future is already visible in Grand Forks. The region’s open airspace, world-class training facilities and collaborative industry partnerships have positioned it as “Silidrone Valley,” a national leader in UAS development. With high wages, strong community support and an outstanding quality of life, the area offers more than just a career path, it offers a place to thrive.Whether you’re an engineer, pilot, data analyst or technician, Grand Forks has a runway for your ambitions. Explore employers, discover opportunities for long-term career growth and see why so many professionals decided to build their futures in Grand Forks. To see current openings, visit the new job board at <a href="https://grandforksiscooler.com/uas-jobs/">grandforksiscooler.com/uas-jobs</a>.Printed in the 2025 issue of UAS Magazine

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Grand Forks, North Dakota, has quickly become one of the nation’s most dynamic hubs for unmanned aircraft systems. 

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SPOTLIGHT: Launch Your UAS Career in Grand Forks