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Remote Pilot Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

ERAM Remote Pilot Operator

Honolulu, HI · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

Description We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) Offshore Automation (OA) team providing Air Traffic Controller ...

ORA_REMOTE Description We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) Offshore Automation (OA) team providing Air Traffic ...

Shape pilots and pathways to scale. Define objectives, timelines, and adoption plans that convert ... Remote friendly with WeWork access * Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday ...

Remote Pilot information

See Hawaii salary details

$51.4K

$136K

$208.8K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Hawaii is $136,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $161,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Hawaii?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Hawaii are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in Hawaii?

For Remote Pilot jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Remote Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,017 per year, or $65.4 per hour.

ERAM Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Honolulu, HI • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Temporary

Posted 13 days ago


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) Offshore Automation (OA) team providing Air Traffic Controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the Honolulu Control Facility (HCF) located Honolulu, HI at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
(PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.)
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 internal or external (mostly controllers) sources, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the controller 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. To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains air traffic controllers 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 controllers to become fully certified air traffic controllers with the introduction of ERAM OA. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for 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, be understood and need 1 - 4 years experience as a RPO
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
  • Direct technical and operational ATC experience preferred
  • 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
  • May require operational expertise in the operation and maintenance of National Airspace System (NAS) facilities, systems, subsystems, and equipment

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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