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Remote Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PenBay Media LLC

Remote Pilot Operator

Nashua, NH · On-site +1

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 ...

Joby Aviation

$121K - $206K/yr

Joby Aviation Remote Pilot Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for a remote pilot to ... Contribute to test planning and participate in mission rehearsals. * Generate detailed post-flight ...

Science Applications International Corporation

$40K - $80K/yr

Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions). Qualifications Required Qualifications: * Candidates for this position must have a ...

Science Applications International Corporation

Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions). Required Qualifications: * Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high ...

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

L30 Remote Pilot Operator

Las Vegas, NV · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · 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 ...

SAIC

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

Des Moines, IA · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · 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 ...

Microsoft Corporation

Pilot

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$31.71/hr

Fully Remote (Work from Home) Open to pilots with any aviation background - must have at least a ... In this role, you will partner directly with Test, Engineering, and Production teams, and provide ...

SAIC

ZID Remote Pilot Operator

Indianapolis, IN · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

EWR Remote Pilot Operator

Newark, NJ · 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 ...

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do remote test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Remote Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Test Pilot jobs are:
Remote Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 36% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Remote Pilot Operator

PenBay Technology Group

North Syracuse, NY • Remote

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description PenBay is looking for motivated, computer-savvy individuals to work as Remote Pilot Operators. No aviation experience is required, but helpful. Experience as a computer operator, RPO, air traffic control specialist, or (student) pilot is highly desirable.

Candidates that have completed aviation studies coursework, are certified in the terminal radar lab or en route lab, or otherwise possess a working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 are preferred. Position Summary: The Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) operates a combination of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)/keyboard/Voice Communication System (VCS) 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.

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV Pilot / Operator position This is a Part-time position Requirements Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in a comparable position. Demonstrated minimum keyboard speed of forty (40) wpm with ninety (90) percent accuracy rate Ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals Ability to speak clearly and be understood Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc), desirable Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.) a plus Experience working in a multidisciplinary team, preferred Candidates will be subject to FAA security screening Competencies and Skills: RPO must be laboratory certified within the first 120 days calendar days of reporting for duty at the facility. Exceptional customer service orientation Ability to work productively with a wide range of people and co-workers Effective oral and written communication skills Effective team building skills Certification Requirements: Each new RPO shall complete knowledge and skills tests for each area/sector to be supported.

Each knowledge test will be graded and must be passed with a score of at least 70%. Upon successful completion of the knowledge tests, the RPO will begin training for the skills tests. The RPO shall observe a previously certified RPO, an FAA employee, or Contractor instructor performing RPO duties on a minimum of five (5) simulation scenarios.

The RPO will receive on the job training on at least five (5) but no more than twenty (20) simulation scenarios on each control position to be supported, after which an FAA representative will observe their performance and determine if certification will be granted. The RPO shall achieve simulation laboratory certification within one hundred twenty (120) days of reporting for duty at the facility.

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