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Remote Pilot Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operations Project Manager

Berkeley, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

... remote management of an international operations & analyst team, as well as coordination with sUAS pilots and operators at customer sites. Additional scope includes subcontractor management of drone ...

Technical Account Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

This role will support both global customers and those operating in U.S. government and defense ... Support the Customer Success team with pilots, deployments, renewals, and subsequent expansion ...

Corporate FP&A Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$186K - $300K/yr

Operating with autonomy, this role will be integral to cross-functional planning cadences and a ... Employee divides their time between in-office and remote work. Access to an office location is ...

Manager, Energy & Utilities

Arcadia, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $160K/yr

Remote Position Summary We are hiring a Manager, Utility Relations & Energy Optimization to be EVCS ... rate pilots, make ready programs, and demand response programs designed for EV operators.

Senior Process Controls Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$122K - $158K/yr

Experience designing, managing, commissioning, and operating DCS, PLC, alarm, safety, and HMI ... Experience deploying or working on first-of-a-kind or pilot plants * Commercial or governmental ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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 as a remote pilot operator?

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 do remote pilot operators do?

Remote pilot operators are responsible for flying and managing unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or delivery. They operate drones using remote controls or software, ensure compliance with regulations, and often hold certifications like Part 107. Their work involves planning flight missions, monitoring drone performance, and maintaining safety protocols.

What is a remote pilot operator?

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:

Infographic showing various Remote Pilot Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,058 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Operations Project Manager

Terabase Energy, Inc

Berkeley, CA • On-site, Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

What We Do
At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all of this piques your interest, we'd love to hear from you!
Position Responsibilities
As the Operations Project Manager of the Construction Technology business unit, you will report to the Director of Operations & Delivery and work in tandem with the operations team alongside a team of data analysts. You will oversee and optimize the day-to-day operations of our utility scale solar energy project management software, Terabase Construct, including customer relationship management and interfacing with a global operations team. Your primary scope includes managing a portfolio of projects for key customers which involves regular interface through weekly meetings and project site visits, project cost & schedule management, developing customized deliverables such as weekly progress reports, remote management of an international operations & analyst team, as well as coordination with sUAS pilots and operators at customer sites. Additional scope includes subcontractor management of drone service providers, performing quality control functions of project artifacts and other deliverables, management and upkeeping of project data, product development and design reviews, and other day-to-day project tasking. You should demonstrate a meticulous approach to tasks, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work, from data entry to project execution, to maintain high-quality standards and minimize errors.
Responsibilities
Daily Project Operations
Support customer engagements, from booking to delivery, demonstrating operational excellence resulting in delighted customers.
  • Project manage field operations for data collection, solving/escalating issues that arise while proactively communicating with and managing customer expectations
  • Identify, build, and maintain relationships with new and existing suppliers and contractors, negotiate contracts, and ensure the safe and efficient execution of contracts and services.
  • Monitor and control project costs to ensure projects stay within budget. Prepare cost estimates, track expenses, and work with finance teams to report on financial status
  • Ensure that all project deliverables meet quality standards, are free from errors, and are delivered in a timely manner per customer contract service level agreements.

Drone Operations Management
  • Become a power user of drone analysis tools and software to optimize processing workflows from start to finish - obtaining raw field data to generating and delivery of high-quality, frequent reporting & customer deliverables.
  • Regulatory Compliance - Stay current with industry and FAA sUAS regulations and ensure that all projects adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Frequent cross-team coordination and communication including the management of incoming data from contracted pilots across project sites, and support for the analyst team.

Process Improvement
  • Identify and address gaps in processes and procedures, resulting in improved, streamlined workflows.
  • Collaborate with other departments on operational requirements needed to meet customer deliverables and departmental priorities.

Product Development
  • Maintain a complete understanding of our products and services.
  • Identify and promote changes in Terabase's technology stack to increase operational efficiency.
  • Assist the business unit operations director with daily operations and project management tasking including special projects and ad hoc tasking for Construct drone operations.

Customer Success
  • Serve as the face of Terabase for a portfolio of projects of key customers and manage their experience throughout the life of the engagement.
  • Work in partnership with the sales team to provide expanded services and support organic growth within existing accounts.
  • Act as a voice of the customer by representing their perspectives and interests in areas such as product roadmap, technical support, quality, etc.

Reporting & Management of KPIs
  • Monitor and track performance for each project according to key operational efficiency and customer success metrics.
  • Develop and manage key performance indicators across the business unit driving objective measurement and improvement thereof daily operations across the workflows.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, energy, or related field.
• 3+ years' experience working as a project or operations manager in the solar or renewable energy industry, heavy construction, drone technologies, or aerospace industry
• Excellent time management and ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, customer relationship skills, and ability to communicate effectively and interact within a team environment.
• Advanced or expert skill level in MS Suite of software (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience working with project management tools and platforms such as JIRA and other Atlassian tools such as Confluence.
• Experience leading a small team and working with remotely distributed contractors.
• Willing to work in Hybrid (Home/Office) setup and work with minimal supervision.
• Travel up to 40% of the time, primarily US-based project sites
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience and knowledge of PV plant components such as PV modules, trackers, inverters, HV systems, Wind, and BESS (battery energy storage systems) is a plus.
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• FAA 14 CFR Part 107 sUAS certified drone pilot with experience operating drones (quadcopter & fixed wing equipment)
• Knowledge or experience working with photogrammetry and drone image processing software such as Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, ODM, DroneDeploy, ArcGIS, SimActive Correlator3D, Propeller, etc..
Compensation And Benefits
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher) dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Generous time off and holiday policy
  • Remote flexibility
  • Flexible time off
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Career progression
  • 401k match
  • Stock options
  • Home office set up allowance
  • And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.
Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing related inquires.