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Remote Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · On-site +1

We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Fairbanks ATCT / TRACON (FAI), located in Fairbanks, AK ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York ARTCC (ZNY) in Ronkonkoma, NY, supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

ERAM Remote Pilot Operator

Honolulu, HI · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_REMOTE Description We are looking for Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) Offshore Automation (OA) team providing Air Traffic ...

SAIC

ZTL Remote Pilot Operator

Hampton, GA · Remote

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Atlanta ARTCC (ZTL), located in Hampton, GA, supporting air ...

SAIC

LGA - Remote Pilot Operator

Flushing, NY · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the LaGuardia ATCT (LGA) in Flushing, NY , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

LGA - Remote Pilot Operator

Flushing, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the LaGuardia ATCT (LGA) in Flushing, NY , supporting air traffic ...

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · Remote

We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Fairbanks ATCT / TRACON (FAI), located in Fairbanks, AK ...

SAIC

BNA Remote Pilot Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Nashville ATCT / TRACON (BNA) in Nashville, TN, supporting air ...

SAIC

BNA Remote Pilot Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Nashville ATCT / TRACON (BNA) in Nashville, TN, supporting air ...

SAIC

PCT Remote Pilot Operator

Warrenton, VA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Potomac TRACON (PCT) in Warrenton, VA, supporting air traffic ...

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Remote Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Remote Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Remote Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs?

For Remote Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Remote Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK • On-site, Remote

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about SAICexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Description
  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.
We are looking for Full time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Fairbanks ATCT / TRACON (FAI), located in Fairbanks, AK, 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:
  • 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
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
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

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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