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Remote Aviation Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · On-site +1

We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

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 ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

SAIC

ZFW Remote Pilot Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site +1

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

SAIC

L30 Remote Pilot Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

SAIC

N90 Remote Pilot Operator

Westbury, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control ...

W3Global Inc.

Chief Pilot Part 135 (Remote)

Lima, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

The ideal candidate is a proven aviation leader with strong Part 135 operational experience ... Lead, mentor, and support a geographically distributed pilot workforce in a remote operating ...

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All JobsRemote Aviation Pilot Jobs

Remote Aviation Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do remote aviation pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote aviation pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Aviation Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Aviation Pilot, you need a solid understanding of aviation principles, remote piloting skills, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate (such as FAA Part 107) or equivalent licensure. Familiarity with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control systems, navigation software, and compliance with airspace regulations is critical. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing flight operations and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are vital to operate UAVs effectively, comply with legal requirements, and ensure mission success in various remote aviation settings.

How does a Remote Aviation Pilot typically coordinate with on-site teams and air traffic controllers during operations?

Remote Aviation Pilots regularly engage in real-time communication with on-site teams and air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. This coordination often involves using secure radio frequencies, video feeds, and digital communication platforms to relay information about flight plans, weather updates, and potential hazards. Clear and timely collaboration is essential, especially when operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in controlled airspace or near populated areas. Building strong relationships with ground crews and maintaining strict adherence to protocols helps Remote Aviation Pilots navigate operational challenges and maintain safety standards.

What are Remote Aviation Pilots?

Remote Aviation Pilots are professionals who operate aircraft remotely, often using drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), rather than flying from inside the cockpit. Their responsibilities can include aerial surveying, photography, agricultural monitoring, package delivery, or supporting emergency services. These pilots must have strong technical knowledge, adhere to aviation regulations, and often require certification from relevant authorities such as the FAA. The role is increasingly in demand due to the growing use of drones in various industries.

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

AspectRemote Aviation PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, pilot licenseFAA Part 107 or similar remote pilot certification
Work EnvironmentRemote flight operations, often with aircraft or simulatorsRemote control of drones, often in various outdoor or indoor settings
Industry UsageAviation, transportation, aerial surveyingPhotography, videography, inspection, mapping

Remote Aviation Pilots and Drone Operators both require remote pilot certifications and work in remote environments. However, Remote Aviation Pilots typically operate manned aircraft or advanced simulators within the aviation industry, while Drone Operators focus on controlling unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial or recreational purposes. Both roles are in high demand for remote aerial tasks, but they differ in aircraft type and industry applications.

More about Remote Aviation Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Aviation Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Remote Aviation Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Aviation Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Aviation Pilot jobs are:
Remote Aviation Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Aviation Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • Remote

$121K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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 a remote pilot to operate our research and development aircraft with the Flight Test team. This role will primarily be a remote pilot of our Superpilot equipped Cessna Caravans. Drawing on past experience operating aircraft manned aircraft or Group 5 UAS in the national airspace, 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.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) for various R&D aircraft platforms, both in solo operational roles and as part of a multi-person crew during test operations.
  • Execute comprehensive preflight planning and system inspections.
  • Contribute to test planning and participate in mission rehearsals.
  • Generate detailed post-flight reports for internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Lead crew members through all phases of test preparation, execution, and post-test analysis.
Required
  • Current Class 2 medical
  • STEM bachelor's degree or a nontechnical bachelor's with experience in engineering flight tests of air vehicles larger than 1000 lb
  • For candidates with more than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (Private or better) Airplane SE or ME Land, and an instrument rating, and
    • Logged at least 300 hr of flight time, and an a combined UAS Pilot+ logged flight time greater than 500 hr
  • For candidates with less than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating, or ATP, and logged more than 700 hrs
  • Be able to articulate why you are uniquely qualified to make the transition large UAS with highly complex systems in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required, which is expected between 10-25% of timeRead and speak English proficiently

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.

Desired
  • Previous support of new aircraft or systems development, ideally in an operations capacity
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Experience with flight test engineering
  • Development standard operating procedures
  • Experience with systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Experience in 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 $121,500 - $206,100/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.

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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