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Remote Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZID Remote Pilot Operator

Indianapolis, IN · 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

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · 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

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · 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

JFK Remote Pilot Operator

Jamaica, NY · 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

ZMA 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

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

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

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · 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 ...

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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 25, 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:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
N90 Remote Pilot Operator

N90 Remote Pilot Operator

Science Applications International Corporation

Westbury, NY • Remote

Other

Posted 8 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 204 rated it services

Job description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the New York TRACON (N90), located in Westbury, NY, 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.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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

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