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Remote Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

GEICO

Senior Innovation Analyst (Remote)

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$109K - $172K/yr

Providing oversight of pilot programs, POC's, or A/B testing and reporting on performance and ... Remote, or available office Annual Salary $109,675.00 - $172,200.00 The above annual salary range ...

Geico

Senior Innovation Analyst (Remote)

Bethesda, MD · On-site +1

$109K - $172K/yr

Providing oversight of pilot programs, POC's, or A/B testing and reporting on performance and ... Remote, or available office Annual Salary $109,675.00 - $172,200.00 The above annual salary range ...

Moore

Project Manager, Emerging Technologies

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

This is a full-time, salaried US-based remote role. Moore is a data-driven constituent experience ... Document lessons learned from pilots and implementations to inform future technology adoption ...

Afiniti

Director, Enterprise Sales

Washington, DC · Remote

Washington DC, US (Remote) Reports To: SVP / Head of Sales About the Role We are seeking a high ... Lead pilot entry, validation, and conversion into contracted and expansion revenue * Consistently ...

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All JobsRemote Pilot JobsRemote Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA

Remote Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$51.5K

$136.2K

$209.1K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Reston, VA is $136,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $161,300.00 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.

More about Remote Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? For Remote Pilot jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Remote Pilot jobs near you

Senior Mission Manager - International (Clearance Required)

Vannevar

Washington, DC • On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China-from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.
Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We're building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status-proving that disruption doesn't require an ego, and staying power doesn't mean standing still.
About the role
As a Senior Mission Manager, you will serve as a senior mission-facing leader responsible for driving program-based adoption of Vannevar Labs' technology within government program offices. You will work closely with PEOs, PMWs, and program managers to shape pilots, scope capabilities, and convert demonstrated mission value into funded programs. This is a highly autonomous role that requires deep mission credibility, strong technical intuition, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, early-stage program environments.
U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required.
What you'll do
  • Lead engagements with program offices (PEOs, PMWs, PMOs, and equivalent organizations) to identify mission problems that Vannevar Labs' technology can solve.
  • Translate program needs into technical narratives, clearly explaining how our software and agent-based capabilities map to requirements, constraints, and outcomes.
  • Scope and shape program-based pilots, defining objectives, success criteria, timelines, and pathways to scale.
  • Pitch the technology with credibility, leveraging your mission and domain background to build trust with program managers and technical authorities.
  • Navigate programmatic realities, including requirements development, budgeting cycles, contracting pathways, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Partner closely with product managers and engineers to ensure mission context is accurately reflected in technical scope, tradeoffs, and delivery plans.
  • Convert successful pilots into sustained programs, helping program offices justify follow-on funding and broader adoption.
  • Represent Vannevar Labs within the program ecosystem as a mission-credible, technically fluent partner.

What we're looking for
  • 15-20+ years of experience in government or defense missions, typically as a retired O5/O6 or senior enlisted or civilian equivalent
  • Deep expertise in a specific mission or technical domain (e.g., cyber, information warfare, ISR, networks, operational intelligence, warfare systems/command and control).
  • Strong ability to scope, pitch, and sell technical solutions to senior government stakeholders - not just explain missions, but connect them to software capabilities.
  • Proven experience navigating programmatic realities, including budgets, requirements, authorities, timelines, and stakeholder dynamics.
  • Sufficient technical fluency to:
    • Understand modern software systems and agent-based approaches
    • Partner effectively with product and engineering teams
    • Translate complex concepts into clear, mission-relevant narratives
  • Demonstrated scrappiness and bias toward action - comfortable operating in ambiguity and pushing programs forward without perfect structure.
  • High enthusiasm for building something new and shaping how cutting-edge technology is adopted inside government.
  • Bonus of having acquisition, resource sponsor, or program manager experience.

What we value
  • Mission-first mindset with a focus on real operational outcomes.
  • Technical credibility paired with humility - able to learn quickly and ask the right questions.
  • Clarity and precision in communication, especially with senior leaders.
  • Ownership mentality - taking responsibility for moving programs from idea to execution.
  • Low ego, high trust, and comfort collaborating across product, engineering, and mission teams.

What we offer
Competitive Salary
The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.
Comprehensive Benefits
We're proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Remote friendly with WeWork access
  • Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year
  • 401(k) match
  • Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends
  • Salary top-up during military reserve duty
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.

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