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Remote Pilot Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

Apply Early

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

Apply Early

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

... and operating procedures * Perform pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight activities * Assess ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate * Experience with commercial UAS operations * Strong ...

Apply Early

Pilot.com

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

The Role Pilot just shipped Meridian, the AI platform that closes the books end to end. We built it ... You've built and operated in a resource-constrained, fast-moving environment. * A builder with a ...

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Remote Pilot Operator information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$120.1K

$190.5K

How much do remote pilot operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot operator in California is $120,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $172,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Remote Pilot Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Pilot Operator, you need strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and a background in aviation or air traffic operations, often supported by specialized training. Familiarity with radar simulation systems, voice communications equipment, and air traffic control simulation tools is typically required, and FAA certifications may be preferred. Excellent communication, teamwork, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure safety, accuracy, and effective simulation during high-stakes training and operational exercises.

What is a Remote Pilot Operator job?

A Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) assists air traffic controllers by simulating real-world flight scenarios in training environments. They operate radar and communication tools to mimic aircraft movements, providing realistic practice for trainees. RPOs play a crucial role in helping controllers develop decision-making and communication skills. This position typically requires familiarity with aviation systems and strong attention to detail. It is commonly found in FAA training facilities and aviation training programs.

What does a typical workday look like for a Remote Pilot Operator?

As a Remote Pilot Operator, your day usually involves simulating aircraft movements to support air traffic controller training or operational scenarios. You’ll use specialized radar and communication systems to mimic real pilot responses and adjust flight paths based on evolving instructions. Collaboration with instructors, other simulation operators, and trainees is an essential part of the workflow, allowing you to help create realistic and challenging scenarios. The role often requires periods of focused attention, adaptability to changing situations, and clear communication within a team-focused environment.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot Operator jobs in California? For Remote Pilot Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Pilot Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Pilot Operator job openings:
Remote Pilot Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,058 per year, or $57.7 per hour.
Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Concord, CA • On-site, Remote

$121K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.
Overview
Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a remote pilot to operate our research and development aircraft with the Flight Test team. This role will primarily be a remote pilot of our Superpilot equipped Cessna Caravans. Drawing on past experience operating aircraft manned aircraft or Group 5 UAS in the national airspace, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) for various R&D aircraft platforms, both in solo operational roles and as part of a multi-person crew during test operations.
  • Execute comprehensive preflight planning and system inspections.
  • Contribute to test planning and participate in mission rehearsals.
  • Generate detailed post-flight reports for internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Lead crew members through all phases of test preparation, execution, and post-test analysis.

Required
  • Current Class 2 medical
  • STEM bachelor's degree or a nontechnical bachelor's with experience in engineering flight tests of air vehicles larger than 1000 lb
  • For candidates with more than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 pilot certificate (Private or better) Airplane SE or ME Land, and an instrument rating, and
    • Logged at least 300 hr of flight time, and an a combined UAS Pilot+ logged flight time greater than 500 hr
  • For candidates with less than 100 hr piloting Group 3+ UAS
    • Must hold a Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating, or ATP, and logged more than 700 hrs
  • Be able to articulate why you are uniquely qualified to make the transition large UAS with highly complex systems in a dynamic environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required, which is expected between 10-25% of time
    Read and speak English proficiently

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.
Desired
  • Previous support of new aircraft or systems development, ideally in an operations capacity
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Experience with flight test engineering
  • Development standard operating procedures
  • Experience with systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Experience in aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $121,500 - $206,100/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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