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Remote Robot Operator Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Remote Robot Operator information

See Durham, NC salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do remote robot operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote robot operator in Durham, NC is $18.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote robot operator?

Remote Robot Operators are professionals who control robots or robotic systems from a distance, often using specialized software and interfaces. They may operate robots for tasks such as warehouse logistics, manufacturing, surveillance, or telepresence in hazardous environments. This role requires technical proficiency, quick problem-solving skills, and the ability to monitor multiple systems simultaneously. Remote Robot Operators are essential in industries that rely on automation and need human oversight to ensure safety and efficiency.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote robot operator?

To thrive as a Remote Robot Operator, you need a solid understanding of robotics, mechanical systems, and computer operation, often supported by technical training or certifications in robotics or related fields. Familiarity with remote control software, teleoperation systems, and troubleshooting tools is commonly required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and effective operation of remote robotic systems across various industries.

What are some common challenges faced by remote robot operators, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Robot Operators often encounter challenges such as latency in controls, unexpected environmental variables, and communication barriers with onsite teams. Managing these issues typically requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with troubleshooting hardware and software remotely, and excellent communication to quickly relay information or request assistance. Continuous training and regular coordination with engineering and support teams help operators adapt to new technologies and maintain efficient, safe robot operations.

What is the difference between Remote Robot Operator vs Remote Drone Pilot?

AspectRemote Robot OperatorRemote Drone Pilot
CredentialsRobotics certifications, technical trainingFAA drone licenses, FAA Part 107 certification
Work EnvironmentIndoor control rooms, remote locationsOutdoor or indoor aerial operations, remote control
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, researchPhotography, surveying, inspection
Common Search IntentRemote robotic systems, automation jobsDrone operation, aerial remote work

Remote Robot Operators and Remote Drone Pilots both operate remotely, often requiring technical certifications. While Remote Robot Operators focus on controlling robotic systems in various industries like manufacturing, Remote Drone Pilots specialize in flying drones for tasks such as inspection or photography. The roles overlap in remote operation skills but differ in equipment and industry applications.

How much do remote robot operators make?

Remote robot operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of control systems or automation tools may earn higher salaries, especially in specialized fields like manufacturing or research environments.

What job categories do people searching Remote Robot Operator jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Robot Operator jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Remote Robot Operator jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Remote Robot Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Robot Operator job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,567 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Founding Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Raleigh, NC • Remote

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Role Title: Founding Chief Technology Officer

Location: Remote-first (U.S.)

Job Type: Full-time

Clearance Required: U.S. Citizenship & Top Secret clearance eligibility required

Modern Government Solutions (MGS) is conducting a confidential executive search on behalf of a venture-backed defense technology partner seeking its Founding Chief Technology Officer. The client's identity is withheld at this stage and will be shared with qualified, pre-screened candidates under a non-disclosure agreement. All inquiries are handled discreetly through MGS.

About the Opportunity

Our client is an early-stage, venture-backed company building advanced hardware, sensing, and autonomous systems for defense and national security customers. In a short time the company has moved from concept to field-validated technology, secured early government agreements, and attracted institutional investment. The next phase is about converting proven prototypes into rugged, mission-ready products at production scale, and that mission defines this role.

This is a founding executive seat with meaningful equity and outsized influence over the company's technical direction. It is a builder's role, not a research role: you will lead the teams that design, prototype, manufacture, deploy, and continuously improve products that protect the people who use them.

What You Will Own

  • Technology vision & roadmap. Partner with the CEO and COO to translate customer and operational needs into a multi-year technology strategy, and build the engineering organization to deliver it.
  • AI/ML and edge AI. Lead model development and MLOps for inference that runs on low-power hardware, offline and in degraded environments; not cloud-dependent enterprise AI.
  • Robotics & autonomy. Direct development of autonomous and embedded systems that operate in GPS-denied and communications-denied conditions.
  • Hardware & embedded engineering. Oversee electrical, mechanical, embedded, and systems engineering through ruggedization and environmental (MIL-STD-class) testing.
  • Prototype-to-production. Own the transition from prototype to scalable manufacturing; design for manufacturability, supply-chain qualification, quality and production-test systems, and production scale-up.
  • Engineering leadership & culture. Recruit and develop an elite, multidisciplinary engineering team, and set an execution culture built on speed, ownership, and mission focus.

What We're Looking For

  • 15+ years of hands-on engineering leadership, including taking hardware products from concept through production. Military or aerospace systems experience is a strong plus.
  • Deep, current expertise across machine learning and edge AI, robotics or autonomous systems, and embedded platforms; a leader equally at home in the machine shop and the boardroom.
  • A track record of scaling: standing up manufacturing or contract-manufacturing at volume, and building an engineering organization from a handful of people to twenty-plus who would follow you again.
  • Builder's temperament: comfortable making decisions with incomplete information, hands-on in early-stage development, and driven by mission over title.
  • S. citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred; an active clearance is a plus), due to federal contract and export-control (ITAR) obligations.
  • Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, physics, or a related field preferred - though a record of shipped products outweighs academic credentials.

Location, Compensation & Eligibility

  • Location: Remote-first within the U.S., with periodic travel to customer sites and company engagements. Openness to relocation over a multi-year horizon is expected as the company scales its operations.
  • Compensation: Competitive executive salary, meaningful founding equity, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Eligibility: U.S. citizenship is required. The client is an equal-opportunity employer; employment decisions are made on the basis of merit and mission fit.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates and referrals may apply in confidence through the Modern Government Solutions careers page or by contacting the MGS recruiting team directly. Pre-screened candidates will be introduced to the client and provided full role details under NDA.