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Remote Pilot Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for a Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL , supporting air traffic ...

Flock

Field Deployment Specialist

Chicago, IL · Remote

$60K - $80K/yr

An FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or willingness to obtain certification within 45 days of hire. * Experience in field-based work, such as construction, low-voltage installation ...

JLL

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$126K - $166K/yr

... pilot, and hardening pilots into production-grade agents that operate reliably at scale. When ... You are proficient in English, both written and verbal, sufficient for success in a remote and ...

TurnCare

Inventory Support Specialist (Chicago, IL)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Remote - US - Central (Chicago, IL) The Inventory Support Specialist (ISS) is the operational owner ... The position supports pilots, go-lives, commercialization, account expansion, routine rounding ...

Siege Media

Content Marketing Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $66K/yr

Siege Media is a growing and remote-first GEO agency! We are nationally recognized on Inc.'s Best ... Help pilot and evaluate new AI tools and workflows for the team, sharing prompts, templates, and ...

Siege Media

Content Marketing Specialist

Chicago, IL · Remote

$55K - $66K/yr

Siege Media is a growing and remote-first GEO agency! We are nationally recognized on Inc.'s Best ... Help pilot and evaluate new AI tools and workflows for the team, sharing prompts, templates, and ...

Northern Base

Oracle CPQ Consultant

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

Schaumburg, IL ( Remote ) Employment Type: Full-Time Visa Type: USC / GC Only Experience: 6+ Years ... Experience participating in Conference Room Pilots (CRP), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and ...

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Remote Pilot information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$49.2K

$130.1K

$199.7K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Mount Prospect, IL is $130,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $154,000.00 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.

More about Remote Pilot jobs

What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot jobs in Mount Prospect, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities near Mount Prospect, IL with the most Remote Pilot job openings:

Remote Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,064 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Aurora, IL • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2615703

Location: Aurora, IL, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Casual (includes On-Call and Temporary)

Shift: Rotating

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 a Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL, 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

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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