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Remote Pilot Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Remote Pilot information

See Hawaii salary details

$51.4K

$136K

$208.8K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Mission Lead - International (Clearance Required)

Vannevar

Honolulu, HI • Remote

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the role

We are looking for a Mission Lead, International to help Vannevar build and deepen relationships with allied defense and national security organizations around the world.

This role sits at the intersection of business development, mission execution, and customer success. Roughly 50% of your time will be focused on identifying, developing, and expanding international opportunities, while the other 50% will be spent ensuring customers achieve meaningful operational outcomes with Vannevar's products.

You will serve as both a trusted advisor and a strategic growth partner to allied military and government organizations. On any given trip, you may find yourself briefing senior military leaders, demonstrating Vannevar's software to operational users, identifying new mission opportunities, supporting a pilot deployment, or helping a customer navigate the path from initial interest to long-term adoption.

U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required. This is a customer facing role required to be based in Oahu with travel across the Indopacific (50% travel).

What you'll do
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with military, intelligence, and national security stakeholders across allied and partner nations.
  • Identify new mission opportunities and help expand Vannevar's international footprint.
  • Lead customer-facing business development efforts, including discovery conversations, capability demonstrations, operational evaluations, and strategic account planning.
  • Serve as the primary mission-facing owner for international customer engagements and deployments.
  • Demonstrate Vannevar's software and articulate how it solves real-world operational problems.
  • Drive adoption, retention, and expansion within existing customer accounts.
  • Partner closely with product, engineering, and mission teams to ensure customer needs are translated into product improvements and roadmap priorities.
  • Help customers navigate procurement, acquisition, and transition-to-program pathways.
  • Support pilot programs, operational demonstrations, exercises, and field deployments.
  • Represent Vannevar at conferences, military exercises, industry events, and customer engagements.
  • Travel frequently throughout the United States and internationally.
What we're looking for
  • 8+ years of experience in defense, intelligence, national security, government technology, or related fields.
  • Experience working directly with military, intelligence, or government customers.
  • Experience in business development, strategic growth, customer success, mission operations, or a combination thereof.
  • Familiarity with international defense markets and government procurement processes.
  • Ability to lead both business development conversations and customer success engagements.
  • Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with audiences ranging from operational users to senior government leaders.
  • Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and drive outcomes in complex organizations.
  • Ability to operate independently in ambiguous environments with minimal oversight.
  • Willingness to travel frequently, including international travel.
What we value
  • Experience supporting international business development efforts within defense or national security organizations.
  • Familiarity with Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), security cooperation programs, or other international acquisition mechanisms.
  • Experience working with allied and partner nation militaries. 

The salary range for this position is $150,000-$170,000 + equity + 401K match + COLA. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 100% remote first culture
  • Unlimited PTO including competitive vacation and holiday schedules
  • Lifestyle stipends - Monthly mental health, wellness & fitness stipend, in-home office setup stipend and family planning assistance 
  • Salary top-up during military reserve duty
  • Fully paid parental leave 
  • Child and pet care reimbursement during travel