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Remote Aircraft Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Remote, with participation in client pitches and live demos as required. ● Term: Initial six ... with active pilots and engagements. ● Compensation: $135/hour guaranteed baseline (DOE ...

Remote, with participation in client pitches and live demos as required. • Term: Initial six ... with active pilots and engagements. • Compensation: $135/hour guaranteed baseline (DOE ...

Remote Aircraft Pilot information

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.

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.

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.

Are remote aircraft pilots paid well?

Remote aircraft pilots, often involved in drone operations or virtual flight training, can earn competitive wages depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries typically range from moderate to high, with specialized skills and regulatory compliance influencing pay levels.

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 should also gain experience with drone operation, understand airspace rules, and use appropriate remote control equipment. Additional training or certifications may be required depending on the complexity of the drone operations and employer requirements.

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, location, and whether they work freelance or for a company, with some specialized roles paying higher wages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solutions Systems Engineer

Q2Impact

Washington, DC • Remote

$135/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Q2 Impact is seeking a visionary Solutions Systems Engineer for a pivotal opportunity to join a dynamic team and directly influence the company’s next phase of growth. If you are a strategic thinker ready to make a tangible impact, we want to hear from you.

Company Overview

Q2 Impact (a GED Group Company) is a premier advisory and technology firm operating across the development, diplomacy, and defense sectors. We are currently scaling an innovative, browser-based, AI-powered training and decision-rehearsal simulation platform focused on counter-unmanned aircraft (C-UAS) and protective operations scenarios. Our team is passionate about delivering high-quality, high-impact solutions to global communities while building a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment. As we transition our platform from a single-scenario prototype to a commercially viable product, we invite you to help shape our expanding footprint.

Your Role

Reporting directly to the Principal Architect, you will act as a critical technical bridge between the Product, Business Development, and Client teams. In this highly cross-functional role, you will quickly translate operational client feedback into structured requirements for the technical product backlog. In this role, you will own the technical C-UAS lexicon, drive user scenario design, and pilot the platform with target clients. Your unique blend of operational knowledge and technical systems engineering will allow you to capture critical client feedback, translate operational doctrine into structured software requirements, and refine after-action reviews (AAR) to identify meaningful doctrine gaps for users.

What You Will Be Doing

●      Establish and maintain the authoritative C-UAS lexicon and standardized terminology, ensuring seamless integration across simulation briefings, after-action reviews, and product collateral.

●      Map user choices in simulation environments to critical tactical and legal doctrine gaps to elevate the value of the platform's automated performance feedback.

●      Author explanatory "why this matters" analytical cards that contextualize user decisions using real-world doctrine and historical precedents.

●      Design and generate custom, sector-specific scenarios (e.g., embassy crises, critical infrastructure security, public safety) by engineering prompts and configuring workflows within the platform’s generative AI tooling to dynamically generate, validate, and scale scenario content under strict human-in-the-loop quality controls.

●      Develop diverse simulation types, including crowd-violence dynamics, embedded-advisor tasks, diplomatic negotiations, and resource-allocation gamification.

●      Collaborate with the product engineering team to map international (OCONUS) military and civil aviation frameworks, bilateral rules of engagement (ROE), and host-nation authorities to ensure simulation friction points accurately mirror foreign regulatory realities.

●      Deliver compelling technical live demonstrations alongside the Principal in client pitches, capture unique client requirements, and lead post-demo walk-throughs.

●      Support commercial readiness efforts by validating pricing tiers, target-client segmentation, and packaging strategies in real engagements.

Logistics

●      Location: Remote, with participation in client pitches and live demos as required.

●      Term: Initial six-month term, renewable. SkillBridge transition timing can be accommodated for transitioning service members.

●      Level of Effort: Part-time (10–20 hours per week, with a guaranteed minimum of 10 hours per week), scaling with active pilots and engagements.

●      Compensation: $135/hour guaranteed baseline (DOE), supplemented by highly lucrative, performance-based milestone bonuses for pilot completions and successful contract conversions (W-2 options available).

Mental and Physical Demands

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

●      This position operates primarily in a remote, professional office environment.

●      You will routinely use standard office equipment, including computers, software-based communication platforms, and telephone systems.

●      The role requires the cognitive capacity to analyze complex legal and tactical doctrines, deliver technical demonstrations in high-stakes client environments, and maintain sustained focus during virtual collaboration sessions.

●      Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions in accordance with applicable law.

Related Duties as Assigned

Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or list in full the activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice to support client-driven pilots, rapid engineering feedback loops, or shifting commercial development priorities.

Requirements

What You Will NeedMust-Haves

●      Recent TS/SCI clearance exposure or experience working in TS/SCI environments preferred. An active TS/SCI clearance is not required at this stage, but ideal candidates will have held one recently or have practical experience supporting work in secure or classified settings. Because of the nature of the work and Q2 Impact’s potential client base, candidates should be comfortable operating in environments where TS/SCI protocols, discretion, and secure client engagement may be required.

●      Systems engineering or solutions engineering background with strong customer-facing and pre-sales instincts.

●      Working knowledge of C-UAS, air defense, or protective operations doctrine and concepts of operations (CONOPS).

●      Demonstrated ability to translate operational doctrine and legal authorities into clear, structured, written software requirements.

Nice-to-Haves

●      Prior U.S. military, DoD, DHS, or Department of State experience.

●      Experience with modeling and simulation or training platforms and scenario design.

●      Familiarity with prompt engineering or leveraging generative LLM workflows for rapid content design.

●      Exposure to government acquisition and requirements documentation practices (e.g., DoD/DHS procurement frameworks)

Benefits

Q2IMPACT offers a generous benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees may receive comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, retirement benefits, and other company-sponsored programs that reflect Q2IMPACT’s commitment to supporting and investing in its team members. 

Join Q2IMPACT: 

  • A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world. 
  • An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion. 
  • A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients. 
  • A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration. 

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Q2 Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all employees. All employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge—are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The consultant will work in a professional office environment and will utilize standard office equipment, including a computer and telephone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with applicable law.