None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
ZDC Remote Pilot Operator
Leesburg, VA · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
ZDC Remote Pilot Operator
Leesburg, VA · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
EWR Remote Pilot Operator
Newark, NJ · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
EWR Remote Pilot Operator
Newark, NJ · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a ...
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Louisville, KY · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Louisville, KY · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
S46 Remote Pilot Operator
Burien, WA · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
S46 Remote Pilot Operator
Burien, WA · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
ZNY Remote Pilot Operator
Ronkonkoma, NY · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
ZNY Remote Pilot Operator
Ronkonkoma, NY · Remote
$40K - $80K/yr
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for ...
ZME Remote Pilot Operator
Memphis, TN · Remote
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a ...
ZME Remote Pilot Operator
Memphis, TN · Remote
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Columbus, OH · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Columbus, OH · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Wichita, KS · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Wichita, KS · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Fort Smith, AR · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Fort Smith, AR · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... clearance Physical Requirements: • Minimal physical effort (e.g. lifting, pushing and moving ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Syracuse, NY · Remote
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Syracuse, NY · Remote
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
ZTL Remote Pilot Operator
Hampton, GA · Remote
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking ...
New
ZTL Remote Pilot Operator
Hampton, GA · Remote
None Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description * PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking ...
New
Remote Pilot Operator
Nashua, NH · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Nashua, NH · On-site +1
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
ZLC Remote Pilot Operator
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1
We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
ZLC Remote Pilot Operator
Salt Lake City, UT · On-site +1
We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller ... US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
Remote Pilot Operator
Merrimack, NH · On-site +1
$26.74/hr
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
Remote Pilot Operator
Merrimack, NH · On-site +1
$26.74/hr
The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the ...
Remote Pilot Security Clearance information
See salary details
$49.5K - $63.3K
10% of jobs
$63.3K - $77K
7% of jobs
$77K - $90.8K
3% of jobs
$101.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$90.8K - $104.6K
6% of jobs
$104.6K - $118.4K
7% of jobs
$118.4K - $132.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $140.7K / yr.
$132.1K - $145.9K
17% of jobs
$153.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$145.9K - $159.7K
33% of jobs
$159.7K - $173.5K
5% of jobs
$173.5K - $187.2K
3% of jobs
$187.2K - $201K
2% of jobs
$49.5K
$130.9K
$201K
How much do remote pilot security clearance jobs pay per year?
What are Remote Pilot Security Clearances?
What is the difference between Remote Pilot Security Clearance vs Drone Operator Security Clearance?
| Aspect | Remote Pilot Security Clearance | Drone Operator Security Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, background check | FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, background check |
| Work Environment | Airspace management, flight planning, remote operation | Operating drones in various environments, often outdoors |
| Industry Usage | Commercial drone operations, government agencies | Commercial and recreational drone activities |
The Remote Pilot Security Clearance and Drone Operator Security Clearance share similar credentials, primarily the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate and background checks. Both roles involve operating drones, often in similar environments. However, the Remote Pilot Security Clearance typically applies to roles with additional security requirements, such as government or sensitive operations, whereas Drone Operator Security Clearance is more general for commercial or recreational drone use.
What are some common challenges faced by Remote Pilots working with security clearance, and how can they prepare for them?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Pilot with Security Clearance, and why are they important?

SAIC rating
7.9
Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
66th of 207 rated it services
Job description
Job ID: 2613062
Location: Des Moines, IA, US
Date Posted: 2026-05-28
Category: Information Technology
Subcategory: Computer Operator
Schedule: Casual (includes On-Call and Temporary)
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: None
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
-
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.
We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Des Moines Intl ATCT/TRACON (DSM) in Des Moines, IA, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Job Description:
The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system 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.
The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications: Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.
To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
- Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
- Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
- Effective oral and written communications skills
- Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
- Effective team building skills
- MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
- Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology
About Science Applications International
Sourced by ZipRecruiter