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Remote Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community. As a ...

GenAI Developer

Ashburn, VA · On-site +1

$110K - $149K/yr

Design, develop, and implement custom software solutions for a variety of AI/ML-related pilot ... Experience working in a geographically dispersed, remote team. * Understanding of Data Science ...

New

Lead innovation pilot applications, technical trials and market trials * Create, manage, and ... This position is remote and will primarily support customers in North America with the potential ...

Design, develop, and implement custom software solutions for a variety of AI/ML-related pilot ... Experience working in a geographically dispersed, remote team. * Understanding of Data Science ...

Design, develop, and implement custom software solutions for a variety of AI/ML-related pilot ... Experience working in a geographically dispersed, remote team. * Understanding of Data Science ...

Design, develop, and implement custom software solutions for a variety of AI/ML-related pilot ... Experience working in a geographically dispersed, remote team. * Understanding of Data Science ...

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Remote Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in Virginia? For Remote Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.
Sr. Agile Development Team Manager

Sr. Agile Development Team Manager

Leidos

Ashburn, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 429 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking Sr. Agile Development Team Managers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the transformation of next-generation flight service and air traffic management systems. This high-visibility effort supports the FAA's mission to modernize critical aviation infrastructure through advanced cloud-based technologies, agile software delivery, and scalable digital solutions that enhance safety, resiliency, and operational efficiency across the National Airspace System.

This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to replace aging legacy flight service capabilities with modern, cloud-enabled platforms designed to improve safety and operational effectiveness, particularly in remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community. As a senior leader within a Scaled Agile development environment, you will oversee multiple agile teams consisting of Systems Engineers, Software Developers, and Testers, driving execution across complex software modernization efforts. You will provide strategic leadership across technical delivery, program execution, staffing, prioritization, and cross-team coordination to ensure successful sprint, release, and program outcomes. This role requires close collaboration with program leadership, architects, customers, and partner teams to manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and maintain alignment across a large-scale modernization initiative.

This position offers the opportunity to influence technical direction, organizational strategy, and delivery execution across a mission-critical FAA modernization program. Teams are helping transition legacy systems to modern, cloud-enabled architectures utilizing Agile, SAFe, DevSecOps, automation, and scalable engineering practices to deliver the future of aviation services. In this role, you will also oversee program performance, delivery metrics, earned value execution, staffing strategy, and operational priorities to ensure successful outcomes while proactively addressing schedule, technical, and cost risks. Additional leadership responsibilities may include mentoring managers and technical leads, supporting customer engagement activities, and contributing to long-term modernization planning and growth initiatives.

If you are passionate about leading large-scale agile engineering organizations, solving complex mission challenges, and shaping the future of aviation modernization, we encourage you to apply.

This role can be performed at any of the following locations: Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Ashburn, VA.

This position supports government programs and requires the ability toobtain andmaintaina Public Trust Clearance.

Required Qualifications

  • Requires a BA/BS in Computer Science, Engineering, and 8+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.

  • Possess 4+ years of experience supervising or leading teams or projects.

  • Proven experience leading large, cross-functional Agile software development teams in a complex technical environment

  • Experience with Agile methodologies, principles, and tools, including managing delivery across multiple teams or programs

  • Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

  • Experience supporting cloud-based system design and modernization initiatives

  • Experience with cost tracking, program execution, and EVM/EVM-light methodologies

  • Experience collaborating with senior program leadership, customers, and technical stakeholders

  • U.S. Citizenship is required for this role

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies

  • Knowledge of DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software delivery models

  • Knowledge of air traffic control systems, general aviation, and/or flight services

  • Practical knowledge of FAA/DoD systems, technical policies, standards, and orders

  • Experience supporting Flight Services or Air Traffic Management systems

  • Experience engaging directly with FAA customers and senior stakeholders

  • Experience leading modernization or digital transformation initiatives within regulated or mission-critical environments

  • Knowledge of and experience leveraging AI-assisted tools and technologies to improve team efficiency, delivery execution, and operational performance

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 28, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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