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 ...
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 ...
DSM Remote Pilot Operator
Des Moines, IA · On-site +1
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 ...
DSM Remote Pilot Operator
Des Moines, IA · On-site +1
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 ...
DSM Remote Pilot Operator
Des Moines, IA · On-site +1
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 ...
DSM Remote Pilot Operator
Des Moines, IA · On-site +1
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Tax Senior Manager
Ames, IA · On-site +1
Actively pilot, evaluate, and embed AI tools into day-to-day tax workflows to accelerate research ... Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote environment with the requirement of reliable ...
Tax Senior Manager
Ames, IA · On-site +1
Actively pilot, evaluate, and embed AI tools into day-to-day tax workflows to accelerate research ... Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote environment with the requirement of reliable ...
Senior Data Product Manager
Ankeny, IA · Remote
$118K - $156K/yr
Salary range: $116,644-151,637 plus 10% bonus Remote hires will be required to travel to our ... Design and oversee A/B tests, pilots, and phased rollouts to evaluate product impact and accelerate ...
Senior Data Product Manager
Ankeny, IA · Remote
$118K - $156K/yr
Salary range: $116,644-151,637 plus 10% bonus Remote hires will be required to travel to our ... Design and oversee A/B tests, pilots, and phased rollouts to evaluate product impact and accelerate ...
Remote Pilot information
See Iowa salary details
$46.5K - $59.4K
10% of jobs
$59.4K - $72.4K
7% of jobs
$72.4K - $85.3K
3% of jobs
$95K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$85.3K - $98.2K
6% of jobs
$98.2K - $111.2K
7% of jobs
$111.2K - $124.1K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $132.2K / yr.
$124.1K - $137K
17% of jobs
$144.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$137K - $150K
33% of jobs
$150K - $162.9K
5% of jobs
$162.9K - $175.9K
3% of jobs
$175.9K - $188.8K
2% of jobs
$46.5K
$123K
$188.8K
How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Iowa is $122,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $145,600.00 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?
| Aspect | Remote Pilot | Drone Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | Often holds similar certifications, but may not be required to operate commercially |
| Work Environment | Typically responsible for flight planning, safety, and compliance; may oversee multiple drones | Primarily focuses on operating drones during missions or shoots |
| Industry Usage | Used across industries like surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, and inspection | Commonly 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 Remote Pilots?
Remote Pilots, often known as drone pilots, are professionals trained to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a distance. They are responsible for controlling drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, and delivery services. Remote Pilots must understand flight regulations, safety procedures, and the technical aspects of their equipment. In many countries, they need to obtain specific certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially. This role is increasingly important in industries like agriculture, construction, and emergency response.
What can you do as a remote pilot?
A remote pilot operates unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones, often for purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or delivery. They are responsible for controlling the drone, following safety regulations, and ensuring proper operation, often requiring certification and knowledge of airspace rules.
How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?
Walmart has hired drone pilots for delivery and inventory tasks, with reported pay rates typically ranging from $15 to $25 per hour. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the specific responsibilities of the role, often requiring FAA Part 107 certification and knowledge of drone operation.
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.
Are remote pilots in demand?
Remote pilots, also known as drone operators, are in increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, photography, and inspection services. The growth of drone technology and the need for certified pilots with FAA Part 107 certification contribute to job opportunities in this field.
How much do remotely piloted aircraft pilots make?
Remotely piloted aircraft pilots, or drone pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on whether they work for government agencies, private companies, or as freelancers, and often require specialized training and FAA certification.
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.
More about Remote Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in Iowa? For Remote Pilot jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
SAIC rating
7.8
Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
71st of 204 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
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