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Remote Test Pilot Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZDC Remote Pilot Operator

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

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 ...

Mondo

AI Product Manager

Centreville, VA · Remote

$140K - $150K/yr

Remote (U.S. Based) Start Date Is: ASAP Employment Type: Permanent Compensation Range: $140,000-150 ... Lead AI product initiatives from concept through pilot, launch, and ongoing product evolution

Samsung

Web Developer

Herndon, VA · Remote

Responsibilities will include working closely with remote teams, Solutions Architects, Technical ... Will support secure mobile and IoT proof of concepts, pilots and projects. Candidates must have the ...

Pae

C-UAS Project Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Join a team of Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation (RDT&E) professionals who are identifying ... Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Compensation Details: $120,000 - $165,000 The compensation range ...

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$106K - $146K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Coordinate with software engineering, test, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps teams to ensure system ...

Clearwaters.IT

Senior .NET Developer

Washington, DC · Remote

$62.25 - $79.25/hr

Remote - candidates must live within the United States Description: Seeking a Senior Developer to ... Combine all elements of the program design and test it, ensuring sample data-sets yield output as ...

Clearwaters.IT

Senior .NET Developer

Washington, DC · Remote

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

Remote - candidates must live within the United States Description: Seeking a Senior Developer to ... Combine all elements of the program design and test it, ensuring sample data-sets yield output as ...

Clearwaters.IT

Senior .NET Developer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$62.25 - $79.25/hr

Remote - candidates must live within the United States Description: Seeking a Senior Developer to ... Combine all elements of the program design and test it, ensuring sample data-sets yield output as ...

Leidos

Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · Remote

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Coordinate with software engineering, test, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps teams to ensure system ...

Astrion

AI Productivity & Power BI Lead

Washington, DC · Remote

$136K - $202K/yr

Remote U.S. JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret (Ability to Obtain/Maintain) TRAVEL: As Needed ... About Astrion Astrion delivers mission-ready engineering, test, and digital solutions to the U.S.

Leidos

Senior Systems Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · Remote

$112K - $154K/yr

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Coordinate with software engineering, test, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps teams to ensure system ...

Leidos

Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

... remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission ... Coordinate with software engineering, test, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps teams to ensure system ...

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Remote Test Pilot information

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 are popular job titles related to Remote Test Pilot jobs in Washington? For Remote Test Pilot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Test Pilot jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Test Pilot jobs in Washington are:
Remote Test Pilot jobs near you
ZDC Remote Pilot Operator

ZDC Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Leesburg, VA • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 210 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614027

Location: Leesburg, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 Washington ARTCC (ZDC) in Leesburg, VA, 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

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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