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Full Time Drone Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · Remote

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Memphis ...

Figure

Electrical Engineer, Actuator Systems

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

Design and validate PCBAs for actuator and motor control systems, including motor controllers, gate ... drone, or other motor-driven systems The US base salary range for this full-time position is ...

Skydio, Inc

Production Engineeer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... This position requires access to export-controlled technical data, restricted government ...

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Minneapolis ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ...

SAIC

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Regional ...

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ...

SAIC

D10 Remote Pilot Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Dallas ...

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Full Time Drone Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do full time drone controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time drone controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Drone Controller vs Part Time Drone Operator?

AspectFull Time Drone ControllerPart Time Drone Operator
CredentialsFAA drone certification, relevant licensesFAA drone certification, may be optional for limited hours
Work EnvironmentOffice, field, or remote settings, regular hoursFlexible hours, project-based or occasional
Employer & IndustryCompanies in media, agriculture, constructionFreelance, part-time roles in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentSeeking stable employment with benefitsLooking for flexible, short-term work

Full Time Drone Controllers typically work regular hours with stable employment, requiring certifications and often benefits. Part Time Drone Operators usually work on a flexible basis, may have similar certifications, but focus on short-term or project-based tasks. The choice depends on your desired work schedule and career stability.

More about Full Time Drone Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Controller jobs? The most popular types of Drone Controller jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Drone Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Drone Controller jobs are:
Full Time Drone Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Drone Controller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Memphis, TN • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613785

Location: Memphis, TN, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-17

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Memphis ARTCC (ZME), located in Memphis, TN, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Job Description:

The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator.  The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.

The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications: Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.

To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

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