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Remote Aircraft Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

All JobsAircraft Pilot JobsRemote Aircraft Pilot JobsRemote Aircraft Pilot Jobs in Arizona

Remote Aircraft Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$44.7K

$81.2K

$123.9K

How much do remote aircraft pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aircraft pilot in Arizona is $81,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $95,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Arizona?

For Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Remote Aircraft Pilot job openings:

Remote Aircraft Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Aircraft Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,209 per year, or $39 per hour.

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. 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. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. 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 strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.


  • Act as the senior 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
  • Lead other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities

  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Part 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 7 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Development and administration of policy and procedures
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • 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

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $111,900 - $191,200/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

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