2

Remote Pilot Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

PILOT

Aberdeen, MD ยท On-site +1

$142K - $185K/yr

You will serve as a Pilot and fly multi engine airplanes and/or helicopters on extended flights supporting the airlift requirements of CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity (CARA), 20th CBRNE ...

Field Data Specialist - Travel position

Baltimore, MD ยท Remote

$22 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As part of our commitment to employee development, you'll also have the opportunity to receive company-sponsored drone training and earn your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. We'll provide ...

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

Landover, MD ยท On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position requires an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or Department of Defense equivalent with UAS flight experience, including both Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and fixed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remote Pilot information

See Maryland salary details

$48K

$127.1K

$195.1K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Maryland is $127,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,100.00 and $150,400.00 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 Maryland?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Remote Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,059 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Quick Response Team - UAS Operator / Aerial Target Specialist

ABSI Aerospace & Defense

California, MD โ€ข Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location:Various

US Citizenship Required for this Position:Yes

Clearance Type:Secret (Preferred)

Work Schedule:Part Time, On-Demand (Non-Exempt)

Reports to:Field Operations Manager

Positions Supervised:None

Travel: Frequent Multi Day Travel Required to locations such as test ranges, government facilities, or remote locations


ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an innovative small business headquartered in the St. Mary's County Innovation District in Southern Maryland, near Naval Air Systems Command. At its core, ABSI is a technical solutions company committed to rapidly delivering emerging technologies that create asymmetric advantages for our customers.

ABSI is seekingexperienced and aspiring UAS operators to join its Quick Reaction Team (QRT) as Aerial Target Operators. The QRT is a trained, on-call operational cadre responsible for executing aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events for Department of Defense and government customers. ABSI's aerial target systems are unmannedaircraftsystems (UAS) flown by skilled operators to deliver realistic airborne threat presentations - making this, at its core, a UAS operator role in direct support of national defense.

Operators are expected to maintain mission readiness through recurring training and to support mission deployments consistent with theiravailability. Operators will find meaningful, mission-oriented work and the opportunity to contribute in a flexible, part-time capacity whilemaintaining other professional commitments. Critically, the QRT program is designed around operators' existing lives - ABSI understands that qualified operators have demanding careers and personalobligations, andhas structured this program accordingly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Execute aerial target missions in support of test, training, and evaluation events
  • Maintainproficiencythrough required training, qualification, and currency events
  • Support mission planning and preparation activities, including equipment staging and system checks
  • Conduct equipment setup, launch, and recovery operationsin accordance withcompany standards
  • Troubleshoot technical and operational issues during field operations
  • Operate effectively in dynamic environments, including remote or austere locations
  • Adhere to all ABSI safety policies, FAA regulations, and applicableDoWrequirements
  • Support team-based operations through clear communication and coordination
  • Represent ABSI professionally during customer interactions and operational events, asrequired
  • Document flight activity, system usage, and mission datain accordance withcompany procedures
  • Support training and knowledge transfer activities, asappropriate toexperience level
  • Communicate availability for mission support on an ongoing basis
  • Performadditionalduties as assigned in support of mission execution

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Junior Level:

  • 0-2 years of unmanned systems experience (academic, simulation, or early professional experience acceptable)
  • Experienceoperatingmulti-rotor or fixed-wing UAS preferred
  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (requiredprior to start)
  • Demonstrated foundational knowledge of airspace, safety, and flight operations
  • Strong aptitude for technical learning

Journeyman Level:

  • 2-5 years of operational UAS experience
  • Experienceoperatingboth multi-rotor and fixed-wing systems
  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with current recurrency
  • Experience with mission planning tools and controlled airspace operations
  • Familiarity with autonomous or semi-autonomous systems

Senior Level:

  • 5+ years of progressively complex unmanned systems operations
  • Experience supporting DoD or government operational environments preferred
  • Experience with airspace coordination, COAs, waivers, or similar processes
  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with consistent recurrency
    • Experience across multiple UAS platforms and mission profiles
    • Ability tooperatein dynamic, high-tempo environments

    All Levels:

    • U.S. Citizenship
    • Ability to obtain andmaintaina Secret clearance
    • Eligible for a Class II FAA medical
    • Willingness to accept mission assignments consistent with personal availability
    • Ability to travel
    • Comfortable operating in field environments under variable dynamic and high-tempo situations conditions
    • Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, adaptability, and reliability
    • Ability to operate effectively in team-based, field environments
    • Willingness tomaintainproficiency and readiness through scheduled company-provided training.

      DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

      • Military aviation or UAS experience
      • DoD or government test/training support experience
      • BVLOS or complex mission operations
      • Familiarity with counter-UAS environments
      • Experience with mission planning tools (e.g.,QGroundControl, Mission Planner, LAANC)
      • Familiarity with ground control systems and communications
      • UAS troubleshooting experience
      • Experience in austere or remote environments
      • Multi-day field deployments
      • Night or low-visibility operations
      • Experience assembling or maintaining UAS platforms
      • Familiarity with propulsion systems or field repairs
      • Hands-on technical skillset
      • Strong communicationskills
      • Team-oriented mindset
      • Ability to adapt to changing mission requirements


      ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: ABSI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ABSI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ABSI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.