ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remote Pilot Operator Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Principal Innovation Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

... range of operating environments, from remote and austere locations to high-throughput modern ... Build working demonstrations, proof-of-concepts, and pilot implementations that can be shown to ...

SpyCloud

Manager, Federal Sales Engineering

Washington, DC · Remote

$167K - $250K/yr

This role is remote, but the person in this position must reside (or relocate to) the Washington D ... Guide proofs of concept and pilots from scoping through outcome, and translate findings into clear ...

Leidos

Senior Cloud Systems Owner

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$57 - $76.25/hr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Lead Linux platform administration including operating system lifecycle management, storage ...

Itron, Inc

Implementation Consultant

Washington, DC · Remote

... organizations operating critical infrastructure.The Implementation Consultant serves as the ... United States (Remote) with up to 50% travel Duties & Responsibilities Implementation & Project ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$106K - $146K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Engage with customer stakeholders, operators, and subject matter experts to identify use cases with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPilot Operator JobsRemote Pilot Operator JobsRemote Pilot Operator Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Remote Pilot Operator information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$11.2K

$124.4K

$197.4K

How much do remote pilot operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot operator in Ashburn, VA is $124,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $179,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Are remote pilot operators paid well?

Remote pilot operators, who operate unmanned aerial vehicles remotely, typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, certifications, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn over $100,000 per year. Compensation often depends on the complexity of the drone operations and the employer’s industry sector.

How much do remote pilot operators make?

Remote pilot operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry they work in. Many roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve operating drones for surveying, filming, or inspection tasks, often on a freelance or contract basis.

What can I do with a remote pilot license?

A remote pilot license allows you to operate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) commercially, such as for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or delivery services. It certifies you to fly drones within legal guidelines and often requires knowledge of airspace rules and safety procedures.

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, or inspection. They operate drones using remote controls or software, ensure compliance with regulations, and often hold certifications like Part 107. Their work involves planning flight paths, monitoring drone performance, and maintaining safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Remote Pilot Operator jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Remote Pilot Operator job openings:

Remote Pilot Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot Operator job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,401 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Senior Mission Manager - International (Clearance Required)

Vannevar

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the role

As a Senior Mission Manager, you will serve as a senior mission-facing leader responsible for driving program-based adoption of Vannevar Labs' technology within government program offices. You will work closely with PEOs, PMWs, and program managers to shape pilots, scope capabilities, and convert demonstrated mission value into funded programs. This is a highly autonomous role that requires deep mission credibility, strong technical intuition, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, early-stage program environments. 

U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required. 

What you'll do
  • Lead engagements with program offices (PEOs, PMWs, PMOs, and equivalent organizations) to identify mission problems that Vannevar Labs' technology can solve.
  • Translate program needs into technical narratives, clearly explaining how our software and agent-based capabilities map to requirements, constraints, and outcomes.
  • Scope and shape program-based pilots, defining objectives, success criteria, timelines, and pathways to scale.
  • Pitch the technology with credibility, leveraging your mission and domain background to build trust with program managers and technical authorities.
  • Navigate programmatic realities, including requirements development, budgeting cycles, contracting pathways, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Partner closely with product managers and engineers to ensure mission context is accurately reflected in technical scope, tradeoffs, and delivery plans.
  • Convert successful pilots into sustained programs, helping program offices justify follow-on funding and broader adoption.
  • Represent Vannevar Labs within the program ecosystem as a mission-credible, technically fluent partner.
What we're looking for
  • 15-20+ years of experience in government or defense missions, typically as a retired O5/O6 or senior enlisted or civilian equivalent
  • Deep expertise in a specific mission or technical domain (e.g., cyber, information warfare, ISR, networks, operational intelligence, warfare systems/command and control).
  • Strong ability to scope, pitch, and sell technical solutions to senior government stakeholders - not just explain missions, but connect them to software capabilities.
  • Proven experience navigating programmatic realities, including budgets, requirements, authorities, timelines, and stakeholder dynamics.
  • Sufficient technical fluency to:
    • Understand modern software systems and agent-based approaches
    • Partner effectively with product and engineering teams
    • Translate complex concepts into clear, mission-relevant narratives
  • Demonstrated scrappiness and bias toward action - comfortable operating in ambiguity and pushing programs forward without perfect structure.
  • High enthusiasm for building something new and shaping how cutting-edge technology is adopted inside government.
  • Bonus of having acquisition, resource sponsor, or program manager experience.
What we value
  • Mission-first mindset with a focus on real operational outcomes.
  • Technical credibility paired with humility - able to learn quickly and ask the right questions.
  • Clarity and precision in communication, especially with senior leaders.
  • Ownership mentality - taking responsibility for moving programs from idea to execution.
  • Low ego, high trust, and comfort collaborating across product, engineering, and mission teams.
What we offerCompetitive Salary

The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

Comprehensive Benefits
We're proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Remote friendly with WeWork access
  • Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year
  • 401(k) match
  • Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends
  • Salary top-up during military reserve duty
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

Apply