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Remote Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$131K - $171K/yr

... for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with ... Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency ...

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ ยท Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Company Overview Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a ... Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning ...

Flight Research Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ ยท Remote

$91K - $125K/yr

Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first ... Act as the remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms * Conduct preflight planning ...

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%. Upon successful ...

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%. Upon successful ...

Remote Pilot Operator

Merrimack, NH ยท On-site +1

$26.74/hr

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%. Upon successful ...

The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice ... tests. o The RPO shall observe a previously certified RPO, an FAA employee, or Contractor ...

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Concord, CA ยท On-site +1

$121K - $206K/yr

Company Overview Joby Flight Research designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a ... This role will primarily be a remote pilot of our Superpilot equipped Cessna Caravans. Drawing on ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Remote Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do remote test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectRemote Test PilotDrone Operator
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, pilot licensesFAA Part 107 certification, drone pilot license
Work EnvironmentTesting aircraft, flight simulators, remote controlOperating drones in various outdoor/indoor settings
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, aviation testingMedia, surveying, agriculture, inspection

Remote Test Pilots and Drone Operators both require FAA certifications and work in remote or controlled environments. However, Remote Test Pilots focus on testing aircraft and flight systems, often in aerospace or defense sectors, while Drone Operators typically handle commercial drone flights for media, surveying, or inspection tasks. Their roles overlap in remote flying skills but differ in industry focus and complexity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Test Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Test Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of aviation principles, piloting skills, and typically a relevant pilot's license or certification. Familiarity with remote piloting systems, flight simulation software, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and problem-solving abilities help manage unexpected issues and coordinate with engineering teams. These skills ensure safe, precise test flights and effective feedback for the development of new aircraft technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by remote test pilots, and how can these be addressed?

Remote test pilots often encounter challenges such as limited situational awareness compared to being physically present, managing communication across distributed teams, and adapting to rapidly changing test conditions. To address these, it's essential to maintain disciplined communication, utilize advanced telemetry and camera systems, and stay updated with virtual collaboration tools. Building strong relationships with engineers and on-site support staff also helps to ensure safety and effective test execution.

What are Remote Test Pilots?

Remote Test Pilots are professionals who operate and evaluate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, or remotely piloted aircraft from a distance. Their primary responsibilities include conducting test flights, assessing aircraft performance, and ensuring that all systems function safely and efficiently. Remote Test Pilots play a crucial role in the development and certification of new aircraft technologies, often working closely with engineers and regulatory agencies. They must have strong technical skills, a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, and the ability to troubleshoot and document flight test results accurately.
What cities are hiring for Remote Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Remote Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Test Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (C-130 AIRCRAFT)

MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (C-130 AIRCRAFT)

Naval Air Systems Command

Kinston, NC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will serve as the Major Overhaul Maintenance Test Pilot for the C130 Product lines located at FRCSE Cherry Point in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Department, Fixed Wing Division, C130 Branch.
  • This position has the duties, responsibilities and authorities of a Major Overhaul Multiengine Heavy Airplane Maintenance Test Pilot.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You must possess a Pilot license/credentialing.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.

Qualifications
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
1) responsible for maintaining qualifications and certifications to perform maintenance test assessments, Functional Check Flights and ferry requirements for C-130 and KC 130 Type Model and subsequent variants;
2) responsible for the performance of their flight crew, utilization of, and products delivered;
3) tactical/operational production focus and ability to participate in strategic planning, while also balancing the many factors that influence quality, schedule, cost and technical performance, ensuring that quality, timely and affordable products are delivered to the war fighter customer;
4) responsible for the overall security of flight crew and must be fluent in Securing current and forecast weather information to determine conditions along the proposed route of flight and at the destination for FCF and Ferry flight purposes.
In addition to the above qualifications, candidates must meet the following requirements/experience:
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
    • They hold the certificates and ratings required;
    • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
    • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
    • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
  2. Pilot-In-Command Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. For in service placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.

Flight Hours:
  1. Total Flight Time: 1500
  2. Pilot-in-Command: 250
  3. Night Flying: 75
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 months: 100

Medical Requirements: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/aircraft-operation-series-2181/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
Certificates and Ratings:
Candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required. Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Additional information
This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Naval Air Systems Command logo

About Naval Air Systems Command

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is a major command within the U.S. Department of the Navy, based in Maryland, US. As a vital component of the Navy's overarching structure, NAVAIR operates within the defense industry, providing comprehensive support to naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems. NAVAIR is historically rooted in the consolidation of the Naval Air Ordnance Test Station (NAOTS) and the Naval Air Test Center (NATC), molding its legacy in the American naval aviation's innovation and advancement. The command's core values align with the larger Navy's, emphasizing Honor, Courage, and Commitment - principles guiding their interactions and decisions.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Patuxent River, MD, US