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Remote Flight Test Pilot Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

New

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

New

SAIC

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

RTC-IL Remote Pilot Operator

Elgin, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Normal, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Dekalb, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

Varsity Tutors

FAA Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using FAA test preparation materials, flight planning exercises, and practice examinations to support private, instrument, and commercial pilot candidates preparing for FAA ...

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Remote Flight Test Pilot information

What is a remote flight test pilot?

A Remote Flight Test Pilot is a professional responsible for piloting unmanned or remotely operated aircraft during test flights to evaluate their performance, safety, and functionality. These pilots typically work with drones or other remotely piloted vehicles, often collaborating with engineers and technical teams to collect data and ensure the aircraft meets regulatory and operational standards. Their duties include planning flight tests, monitoring systems, troubleshooting issues, and documenting results to support the development and certification of new aircraft technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote flight test pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Flight Test Pilot, you need a solid background in aeronautical engineering or aviation science, extensive piloting experience, and appropriate certifications such as a commercial pilot license or remote pilot certification. Familiarity with flight simulation software, telemetry systems, and data analysis tools is essential for capturing and interpreting flight test results. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you address unexpected issues and collaborate with engineering teams. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient testing of new aircraft systems and technologies.

What are some common challenges remote flight test pilots face when coordinating with engineering teams during test campaigns?

Remote Flight Test Pilots often collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure test objectives are met safely and efficiently. A common challenge is maintaining clear, real-time communication, especially when team members are distributed across different locations or time zones. Miscommunication or delays in feedback can affect test schedules and data accuracy. To overcome this, pilots often rely on robust digital collaboration tools and establish regular check-ins to align on test plans, safety protocols, and post-flight data analysis.

What is the difference between Remote Flight Test Pilot vs Remote Flight Test Pilot?

AspectRemote Flight Test Pilot

Since the question compares the same job title, there is no difference between Remote Flight Test Pilot and Remote Flight Test Pilot. Both roles involve testing aircraft remotely, requiring specialized certifications, technical skills, and experience in aviation and remote operation environments. They are used by aerospace companies and research organizations to evaluate aircraft performance without physical presence in the cockpit. The roles share similar work environments, including remote testing facilities and simulation labs, and are often searched together by professionals interested in remote aircraft testing careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois?

For Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs in Illinois are:

Remote Flight Test Pilot jobs near you

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Aurora, IL • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615702

Location: Aurora, IL, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Part-Time

Shift: Rotating

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 Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL, 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: 

  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

  • 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.

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

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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