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Remote Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Syracuse, NY · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC ...

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Warwick, RI · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC ...

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Nashua, NH · On-site +1

$26.74/hr

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC ...

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Windsor Locks, CT · On-site +1

$21.98/hr

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC ...

Adacel Systems, Inc.

Remote Pilot Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions, communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ARTCC (ZNY) in Ronkonkoma, NY, supporting air traffic ...

Adacel Systems, Inc.

Remote Pilot Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site +1

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) to simulate the actions, communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities ...

SAIC

MIA Remote Pilot Operator

Miami, FL · On-site +1

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Miami ATCT (MIA) in Miami, FL, supporting air traffic controller ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ARTCC (ZOA) in Fremont, CA, supporting air traffic ...

New

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) in Anchorage, AK, supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

SAIC

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · Remote

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Charlotte ATCT (CLT) in Charlotte, NC, supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Oakland ARTCC (ZOA) in Fremont, CA, supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

PIT - Remote Pilot Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Pittsburgh ATCT / TRACON (PIT) in Pittsburgh, PA , supporting air ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

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Remote Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote 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 is a remote pilot?

A remote pilot controls an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). As a remote pilot, your duties include flying and maintaining a drone and its systems, as well as remaining up-to-date on all FAA regulations regarding UAVs. To become a remote pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, be physically capable of handling a drone, and pass an FAA certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to manage the risks of flight. Career pilots must also be certified to handle unmanned aerial vehicles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical understanding of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and drone-specific hardware is often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding remote pilots apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across diverse environments.

What are some common challenges remote pilots face when operating drones for commercial purposes?

Remote Pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining strong situational awareness when flying drones beyond visual line of sight, navigating complex airspace regulations, and ensuring safe operations in changing weather conditions. Additionally, balancing real-time communication with team members, such as visual observers or project managers, is crucial for successful missions. Staying current with technology updates and regulatory changes is also essential for continued success in this fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Remote Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften holds similar certifications, but may not be required to operate commercially
Work EnvironmentTypically responsible for flight planning, safety, and compliance; may oversee multiple dronesPrimarily focuses on operating drones during missions or shoots
Industry UsageUsed across industries like surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, and inspectionCommonly used in filming, photography, and recreational activities

The main difference is that a Remote Pilot holds specific certifications and oversees drone operations, ensuring safety and compliance, while a Drone Operator primarily focuses on flying drones during specific tasks. Both roles are integral in industries utilizing drone technology, but the Remote Pilot often has broader responsibilities and regulatory knowledge.

More about Remote Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Remote Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Remote Pilot jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot jobs are:

Remote Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Remote Pilot Operator

PenBay Media LLC

Syracuse, NY • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

PenBay is looking for motivated, computer-savvy individuals to work as Remote Pilot Operators. No aviation experience is required, but helpful. Experience as a computer operator, RPO, air traffic control specialist, or (student) pilot is highly desirable. Candidates that have completed aviation studies coursework, are certified in the terminal radar lab or en route lab, or otherwise possess a working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 are preferred.
Position Summary:
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) 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.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV Pilot / Operator position
This is a Part-time position
Requirements
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in a comparable position.
Demonstrated minimum keyboard speed of forty (40) wpm with ninety (90) percent accuracy rate
Ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals
Ability to speak clearly and be understood
Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc), desirable
Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.) a plus
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team, preferred
Candidates will be subject to FAA security screening
Competencies and Skills:
RPO must be laboratory certified within the first 120 days calendar days of reporting for duty at the facility.
Exceptional customer service orientation
Ability to work productively with a wide range of people and co-workers
Effective oral and written communication skills
Effective team building skills
Certification Requirements:
Each new RPO shall complete knowledge and skills tests for each area/sector to be supported.
Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%.
Upon successful completion of the knowledge tests, the RPO will begin training for the skills tests. The RPO shall observe a previously certified RPO, an FAA employee, or Contractor instructor performing RPO duties on a minimum of five (5) simulation scenarios. The RPO will receive on the job training on at least five (5) but no more than twenty (20) simulation scenarios on each control position to be supported, after which an FAA representative will observe their performance and determine if certification will be granted.
The RPO shall achieve simulation laboratory certification within one hundred twenty (120) days of reporting for duty at the facility.

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