2

Remote Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Remote Helicopter Pilot information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$74.6K

$104.6K

$128.8K

How much do remote helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote helicopter pilot in Riverside, CA is $104,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Remote Helicopter Pilot job?

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 in the Remote Helicopter Pilot position, and why are they important?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Helicopter Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA? For Remote Helicopter Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Helicopter Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Helicopter Pilot jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Remote Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Remote Helicopter Pilot job openings:
sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

DZYNE Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About DZYNE
DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready.
We're growing fast, and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success.
Ready to do work that matters? Join us.
Position Title: sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
Location: Irvine
Work Arrangement: On-Site / Hybrid
Position Summary
The sUAS Remote Pilot serves as a dual-role operator with integrated responsibilities spanning RPIC authority and full system readiness ownership. The position supports Group 1 through Group 4 UAS platforms across the complete lifecycle of system employment, including research and development, test and evaluation, production validation, and operational deployment.
This position will require the RPIC to work in a very dynamic environment across a wide range of sUAS systems. The RPIC will serve in a variety of roles as part of a larger test and operational team and conduct flights across a wide range of locations domestically and internationally.
Required Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Execute Ground Checkout Procedures (GCP) and Acceptance & Test Procedures (ATP) to verify aircraft readiness and system functionality.
  • Support aircraft build-up activities for test and demonstration events, ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards.
  • Conduct preflight, post-flight, and post-shipping inspections to confirm aircraft structural integrity, airworthiness, and proper battery charge levels.
  • Set up and tear down launch and recovery equipment, ensuring correct configuration, operational integrity, and safety-of-flight readiness.
  • Setup, troubleshoot, and resolve complex GCS and network issues during operations and deployments.
  • Collaborate with flight-test engineers to identify discrepancies, validate data, and maintain safety-of-flight standards.
  • Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, preventive maintenance, scheduled inspections, and authorized alterations on aircraft and support equipment.
  • Prepare and maintain maintenance documentation, reports, and flight release authorization forms.
  • Conduct safe, legal, and compliant flight operations to support the flight test program, as well as for customer facing demonstrations and training events.
  • Serve as the SME for the conduct of flight operations and the integration of the sUAS systems in development.

Required Skills/Qualifications:
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and technical data for unmanned aerial systems.
  • Ability to perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Experience conducting operational checks, preflight/post flight activities, and system validation tasks.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and flight test personnel.
  • Proficiency in reading and applying technical manuals, engineering drawings, and maintenance procedures.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work in dynamic test environments and adapt to shifting operational needs
  • Ability to conduct safe flight operations in high pressure dynamic environments.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Experience working with airframes at various stages of development and a strong troubleshooting background.
  • Experience supporting flight test operations or demonstration events.
  • Familiarity with GCP, ATP, or other structured test/inspection procedures.
  • Experience with launch and recovery systems for unmanned aircraft.
  • Prior work in government contracted aviation or defense environments.
  • Experience with various Ground Control Station software such as ArduPilot Mission Planner or QGroundControl and various UAS protocols such as MAVLink or UAVCan.
  • Extensive flight experience across a wide range of environments and mission types.
  • Military UAS/sUAS training and experience is a plus.

Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Technical school training, military training, or applicable collage education preferred.
  • Part 107 required, relevant FAA certifications preferred.

Clearance Level Required: Secret - Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance, as required for the role.
Export Control / ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.
Travel Required: No travel required
Working Conditions:
The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
  • Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
  • Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Work Authorization Requirement:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.
Salary: $85,000 - $135,000
Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.
Benefits:
Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.
DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
#LI-HYBRID
#LI-ONSITE
Pay Range: $85,000 - $100,000 per year