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Remote Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

We are looking Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Regional Training Site, located in Phoenix, AZ, supporting air ...

New

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview 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 ...

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong understanding of airspace, safety, and operational procedures * Experience in BVLOS, logistics, delivery ...

G-IV SIC

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Pilots who have not been to training within the last 36 months must complete an initial course, and a 3-year promissory note and training reimbursement agreement will be in effect. Pilot Requirements:

Remote Helicopter Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$66.6K

$93.4K

$115.1K

How much do remote helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote helicopter pilot in Arizona is $93,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote helicopter pilot?

A Remote Helicopter Pilot operates unmanned helicopters, often for tasks like aerial surveying, inspections, or deliveries. These pilots use remote controls or automated systems to guide aircraft safely and efficiently. Industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and defense frequently employ remote helicopter pilots. Strong technical skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and proficiency in remote piloting are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Remote Helicopter Pilot, you need proficiency in aviation protocols, strong hand-eye coordination, and typically must hold a commercial pilot's license with helicopter rating. Familiarity with remote-control systems, flight simulation software, GPS navigation, and real-time communication technology is important for safe and effective operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions help you excel in a remote piloting environment. These skills are vital to ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective coordination with ground teams or clients.

What does a typical workday look like for a remote helicopter pilot?

A typical day for a Remote Helicopter Pilot involves pre-flight planning, conducting safety checks, operating the helicopter remotely for various missions such as surveying, inspections, or aerial photography, and maintaining regular communication with ground support teams. You may also be required to log flight data, monitor weather and airspace conditions, and troubleshoot technical issues with the control systems. Remote Helicopter Pilots often collaborate with engineers, project managers, or emergency response teams, depending on the mission. The role requires a balanced mix of technical focus and teamwork, with flexibility to adapt to changing mission objectives and environments.

Are remote helicopter pilots in high demand?

Remote helicopter pilots are in moderate demand, primarily in industries such as aerial photography, surveying, and offshore operations. Employment opportunities depend on industry needs, certifications, and experience, with some roles requiring specialized skills and remote operation capabilities.

Is 40 too old to become a remote helicopter pilot?

Age is not a strict barrier to becoming a remote helicopter pilot, as many pilots continue their careers into their 50s or beyond. Success depends on maintaining good health, obtaining necessary certifications, and gaining relevant flight experience, regardless of age.

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Remote Helicopter Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,421 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

RTC-AZ, Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Phoenix, AZ • Remote

Full-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: 2615761

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

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 Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Regional Training Site, located in Phoenix, AZ, 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:

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

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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