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Remote Aircraft Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Company Overview Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a ... Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and ... Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and ... Overview Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate ...

W3Global Inc.

Chief Pilot Part 135 (Remote)

Lima, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Lead, mentor, and support a geographically distributed pilot workforce in a remote operating ... Operate scheduled passenger services as PIC in the C208 Land or Amphibian aircraft on a rotational ...

SAIC

ANC Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

SAIC

EWR - Remote Pilot Operator

Newark, NJ · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

SAIC

N90 - Remote Pilot Operator

Westbury, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

SAIC

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft ...

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Remote Aircraft Pilot information

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How much do remote aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aircraft pilot in the United States is $87,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote aircraft pilot?

Remote Aircraft Pilots, also known as drone pilots or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operators, are professionals who control aircraft remotely without being onboard. They use specialized equipment and software to fly drones for various purposes, such as aerial photography, surveying, agriculture, delivery, or inspection. Remote Aircraft Pilots must understand aviation regulations, safety protocols, and the technical aspects of the drones they operate. Their work can support industries like filmmaking, construction, law enforcement, and environmental monitoring.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote aircraft pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Aircraft Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, familiarity with aviation regulations, and typically a remote pilot certificate such as the FAA Part 107. Proficiency with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and camera or sensor integration is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient remote aircraft operations in various environments.

How much do remote aircraft pilots make?

Remote aircraft pilots, often called drone pilots or UAV operators, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the operations. Salaries can vary based on industry, such as filmmaking, surveying, or agriculture, and may include freelance or contract work with flexible schedules.

What are common challenges faced by remote aircraft pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Aircraft Pilots often encounter challenges such as communication delays with ground teams, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and managing long periods of focused attention during flight operations. To address these issues, pilots should develop strong situational awareness, maintain regular communication protocols, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with technology and regulations. Building good teamwork with support staff and staying up to date with best practices can help ensure safe and efficient operations in this dynamic field.

How do you become a remote aircraft pilot?

To become a remote aircraft pilot, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing a knowledge test and undergoing background checks. You must also be at least 16 years old, be vetted for compliance with regulations, and operate drones within the guidelines set for commercial or recreational use, often using specific remote control equipment and safety procedures.

What is the difference between Remote Aircraft Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Aircraft PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (often required)
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial, or government settings, often involving larger aircraft or specialized operationsMedia, photography, surveying, or recreational use, often with smaller drones
Employer & IndustryAirlines, government agencies, private companiesMedia companies, survey firms, hobbyists

Remote Aircraft Pilots and Drone Operators both require FAA Part 107 certification and operate remotely, but Remote Aircraft Pilots typically handle larger, more complex aircraft in commercial or industrial settings, while Drone Operators often focus on smaller drones for media, surveying, or recreational purposes. The roles overlap in certification and remote work environment but differ in aircraft size and industry application.

More about Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Aircraft Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs are:
Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Aircraft Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,144 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Overview

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.

Overview

Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms. Drawing on past experience operating medium to large UAS, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding standard operating procedures, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.

Responsibilities
  • Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms
  • Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system
  • Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals
  • Post flight reports, internal and external
  • Collaborate with other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
  • Provide detailed feedback and recommendations for system improvements
  • Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Uphold a strong safety culture
Required
  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Pat 107 Remote Pilot certificate
  • Current Class 3 medical
  • Experience operating Group 3 + UAS
  • Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or augmented flight modes using a traditional RC controller interface for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft
  • Fully automated remote flight
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and training
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
Desired
  • Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate
  • Support of new aircraft or systems development
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Flight test engineering
  • UAS operations within the National Airspace System beyond Part 107
  • Standard operating procedures development
  • Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
  • Systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $91,100 - $125,300/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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