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Remote Government Drone Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ANC Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ...

SAIC

ATC Tower Remote Pilot Operator

College Park, GA · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Atlanta ...

SAIC

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Charlotte ...

SAIC

D10 Remote Pilot Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Dallas ...

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Remote Government Drone Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do remote government drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote government drone 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 some common challenges faced by remote government drone pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Government Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining reliable communication links in remote or obstructed locations and adapting to changing weather conditions that could impact flight safety. They may also need to navigate complex airspace regulations and coordinate closely with other government agencies or emergency response teams. To address these challenges, pilots typically rely on thorough pre-flight planning, ongoing training in regulations and safety protocols, and the use of advanced drone technology designed for government operations. Collaboration and clear communication with team members are essential to ensuring mission success and safety.

What is the difference between Remote Government Drone Pilot vs Remote Commercial Drone Operator?

AspectRemote Government Drone PilotRemote Commercial Drone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107, government clearanceFAA Part 107, industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public sectorPrivate companies, commercial sectors
Employer & Industry UsageFederal, state, or local governmentConstruction, photography, agriculture

Remote Government Drone Pilots primarily work for government agencies, focusing on public safety, surveillance, or infrastructure inspection, often requiring security clearances. In contrast, Remote Commercial Drone Operators serve private sector clients for tasks like mapping, filming, or crop monitoring. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, the work environment and employer types differ significantly, reflecting their distinct industry applications.

Is there a big demand for remote government drone pilots?

Remote government drone pilots are in increasing demand as government agencies expand their use of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, inspection, and data collection. These roles often require certifications such as Part 107 and proficiency with drone operation software, with demand driven by government projects and public safety initiatives.

What is a remote government drone pilot?

Remote Government Drone Pilots are professionals who operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on behalf of government agencies for purposes such as surveillance, mapping, disaster response, and infrastructure inspection. They control drones from a distance using specialized equipment and software, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and safety protocols. These pilots may work for federal, state, or local agencies, supporting public safety, environmental monitoring, or defense operations. The role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and often specific certifications or licenses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote government drone pilot?

To thrive as a Remote Government Drone Pilot, you need strong technical aptitude in UAV operation, a relevant FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, and knowledge of airspace regulations. Familiarity with drone control software, GIS mapping tools, and mission planning systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations critical to government missions such as surveillance, data collection, and emergency response.
More about Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Government Drone Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Drone Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs are:
Remote Government Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Government Drone Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

LAS Remote Pilot Operator

Science Applications International Corporation

Las Vegas, NV • Remote

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job 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 Las Vegas ATCT (LAS) in Las Vegas, NV, 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.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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

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