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Remote Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals * Post flight reports, internal and external ... Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate * Current Class 3 medical * Experience operating Group 3 + UAS

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals * Post flight reports, internal and external ... Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate * Current Class 3 medical * Experience operating Group 3 + UAS

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 · On-site +1

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 · On-site +1

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

MIA Remote Pilot Operator

Miami, FL · 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 · On-site +1

$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 · On-site +1

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 ...

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Remote Test Pilot information

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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.
Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


Joby Aviation’s Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. Drawing on past experience operating medium to large UAS, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.


  • Act as the senior remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms
  • Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system
  • Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals
  • Post flight reports, internal and external
  • Lead other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities

  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate
  • Current Class 3 medical
  • Experience operating Group 3 + UAS
  • Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or augmented flight modes using a traditional RC controller interface for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft
  • Fully automated remote flight
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and training
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Development and administration of policy and procedures
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently

  • Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate
  • Support of new aircraft or systems development
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Flight test engineering
  • UAS operations within the National Airspace System beyond Part 107
  • Standard operating procedures development
  • Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
  • Systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $111,900 - $191,200/yr.

. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. 

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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