The Research Assistant will conduct LiDar Drone flights as a certified 107 remote pilot and will process data and produce reports for ASPIRE projects and the service cost center.
The Research Assistant will conduct LiDar Drone flights as a certified 107 remote pilot and will process data and produce reports for ASPIRE projects and the service cost center.
Geospatial UAS Analyst
Bernalillo, NM · Remote
$37.54 - $42.24/hr
Serves as the primary Remote Pilot in Command for aerial data acquisition and manages the end-to-end lifecycle of drone-based mapping from flight planning to complex post-processing. Responsible for ...
Geospatial UAS Analyst
Bernalillo, NM · Remote
$37.54 - $42.24/hr
Serves as the primary Remote Pilot in Command for aerial data acquisition and manages the end-to-end lifecycle of drone-based mapping from flight planning to complex post-processing. Responsible for ...
Fixed Wing Pilot
Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1
$75K - $197K/yr
Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...
Fixed Wing Pilot
Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1
$75K - $197K/yr
Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...
Outside Property Claim Associate
Albuquerque, NM · Remote
$52K - $86K/yr
In order to perform the essential functions of this role, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) and/or a UAS Remote Pilot Certification may be required to comply with federal, state ...
Outside Property Claim Associate
Albuquerque, NM · Remote
$52K - $86K/yr
In order to perform the essential functions of this role, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) and/or a UAS Remote Pilot Certification may be required to comply with federal, state ...
Senior Finance AI & Automation Developer
Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1
$95K - $119K/yr
Remote * Tuesday-Thursday: Onsite at our Reading, PA location Candidates outside the Reading, PA ... pilots. Responsibilities may also include other adhoc tasks such as Value Stream analysis and ...
Senior Finance AI & Automation Developer
Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1
$95K - $119K/yr
Remote * Tuesday-Thursday: Onsite at our Reading, PA location Candidates outside the Reading, PA ... pilots. Responsibilities may also include other adhoc tasks such as Value Stream analysis and ...
Remote Pilot information
See Rio Rancho, NM salary details
$46.6K - $59.5K
10% of jobs
$59.5K - $72.5K
7% of jobs
$72.5K - $85.4K
3% of jobs
$95.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$85.4K - $98.4K
6% of jobs
$98.4K - $111.3K
7% of jobs
$111.3K - $124.3K
5% of jobs
The median wage is $132.4K / yr.
$124.3K - $137.2K
17% of jobs
$144.6K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$137.2K - $150.2K
33% of jobs
$150.2K - $163.2K
5% of jobs
$163.2K - $176.1K
3% of jobs
$176.1K - $189.1K
2% of jobs
$46.6K
$123.1K
$189.1K
How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Rio Rancho, NM is $123,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $145,800.00 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?
| 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.
More about Remote Pilot jobs
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?
Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Full-time
Re-posted 8 days ago
University Of New Mexico rating
8.4
Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
99th of 618 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Formally established in 2020, the Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE) researches methods for the capture, analysis, and representation of spatial data characterizing physical and social phenomena, commonly referred to as Geographic Information Science (GIScience). GIScience is an inherently integrative field of study, relying on virtually all engineering fields for technological and theoretical advancements, and having applications in virtually all sciences.
ASPIRE brings together faculty with expertise and cutting-edge research portfolios in a broad range of GIScience sub-fields, including spatial modeling, geo-visualization, remote sensing, and spatial statistics.
The Research Assistant will conduct LiDar Drone flights as a certified 107 remote pilot and will process data and produce reports for ASPIRE projects and the service cost center.
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