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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Titan Echelon, LLC

MQ-9 SENSOR OPERATOR

Havelock, NC · Remote

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Sensor operators will be tasked with academic and in-flight instruction, evaluations, and will act as the subject matter expert of the various sensors on the assigned aircraft. Sensor operators will ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

Willing to fly in a small aircraft for an extended time * Willing to work in Hardship and Hazardous ... Formal training as a sensor operator as well as familiarity with ISR applications, tools, and ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

Willing to fly in a small aircraft for an extended time * Willing to work in Hardship and Hazardous ... Formal training as a sensor operator as well as familiarity with ISR applications, tools, and ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

Willing to fly in a small aircraft for an extended time * Willing to work in Hardship and Hazardous ... Formal training as a sensor operator as well as familiarity with ISR applications, tools, and ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

$59K - $106K/yr

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS ... Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data ...

Flock Safety

Software Engineering Manager, Aviation

$200K - $220K/yr

The Opportunity The Aviation team is responsible for building world class remotely piloted aircraft and supporting ground systems for public safety customers. To give first responders an eye on the ...

Shield AI

Sr Manager, Aerostructures Design

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$210K - $320K/yr

... AI-piloted aircraft designed to execute missions in highly contested environments. Powered by ... Experience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedules

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and ...

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All JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

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$14

$25

$37

How much do remotely piloted aircraft sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for remotely piloted aircraft sensor operator in the United States is $25.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a sensor operator make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance. Salaries can vary based on the employer, certifications, and whether the role involves additional responsibilities such as data analysis or mission planning.

Do RPA sensor operators get flight pay?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically do not receive flight pay because they operate aircraft remotely from ground stations rather than being physically onboard. Compensation structures vary by employer and military branch, but flight pay is generally reserved for crew members who are physically present on the aircraft during missions. Sensor operators focus on monitoring and controlling sensors and systems, often working in a ground-based environment.

What does an RPA sensor operator do?

An RPA sensor operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring sensors on remotely piloted aircraft to gather data for surveillance, mapping, or reconnaissance missions. They operate specialized equipment, interpret sensor data, and ensure the proper functioning of sensors during flight, often requiring technical skills and certification in UAV operations.

What is the difference between Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator vs Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot?

AspectRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor OperatorUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot
CredentialsFAA Part 107 certification, sensor operation trainingFAA Part 107 certification, pilot certification
Work EnvironmentOperate sensors and cameras remotely, often in surveillance or reconnaissance missionsFly and navigate drones, often in mapping or delivery tasks
Industry UsageMilitary, defense, surveillance, intelligenceCommercial, agriculture, photography, delivery

The main difference is that the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator focuses on operating sensors and cameras on drones, while the UAS Pilot is responsible for flying and navigating the drone itself. Both roles require FAA certification, but their responsibilities and industry applications differ significantly.

How much does a remotely piloted aircraft RPA sensor operator make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance. They often require specialized training in sensor systems and may work in military or government sectors with shift schedules and operational demands.

What are Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operators?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operators are professionals who control and monitor sensors and surveillance equipment on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from these aircraft, which can include imagery, video, and other sensor information. These operators play a crucial role in military, law enforcement, and commercial operations by providing real-time intelligence and situational awareness. Their duties often involve mission planning, equipment maintenance, and working closely with pilots and mission commanders to achieve operational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and knowledge of aeronautical systems, often supported by military training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with remote piloting control systems, mapping software, and sensor technologies such as infrared or electro-optical cameras is essential. Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills are crucial for coordinating with flight crews and interpreting data accurately. These abilities ensure effective mission execution, data integrity, and safe operation in complex and dynamic environments.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics between a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator and other crew members during a mission?

As a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator, you will work closely with the pilot and mission intelligence team to ensure the success of surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Effective communication and real-time information sharing are crucial, as you coordinate sensor operation, target identification, and data collection. You may also collaborate with ground support and maintenance personnel before and after flights. Building strong teamwork skills and maintaining situational awareness are essential to managing the fast-paced, detail-oriented environment typical of these operations.
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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs near you

Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Strike Support SME

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Andrews, MD • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Strike Support SME to support our client at Joint Base Andrews, MD. The job will be working for the Air National Guard Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA/Strike), Cyber/IT and Command and Control (C2) Staff Technical Support Services providing Functional Area Manager (FAM) Support to NGB/A2/6 and the RPA/Strike and C2 functions within NGB/A3/10. Provide functional and technical SME support to the NGB/A2/6 and NGB/A3/10 staff on program capabilities, functional area management, strategic planning, and equipment procurement/sustainment for the units, and personnel. Duties may include but not limited to budgetary planning, system architecture, and functional management at the NGB for ANG ISR, RPA/Strike, Cyber/IT and C2 asset integration into the active-duty U.S. Air Force (USAF) architecture.
The tasks include the following:
  • Draft/Edit ANG unit DOC statements.
  • Assist the ANG staff by monitoring, managing, and contributing to the development of AF-wide mission capabilities, weapons, and tactics.
  • Coordinate/Collaborate with ANG and AF staff, and operational field units on the budget, manpower, training, and technical resources necessary to effectively establish and transition ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units.
  • Review all (conversion or other) FINPLAN requests and Unfunded Requests (UFRs) from field; provide ANG FAM with a recommendation of which items should be funded; assist FAM in obtaining required documentation to fund FAM approved requests.
  • Serve as the contact at the ANG staff for issues involving ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 operations and capabilities.
  • Collaborate with ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 operational field units, appropriate HAF staff, MAJCOMs and DoD agencies on management and policy matters pertaining to readiness programs and activities, deployments and conferences and ensure that manpower, training, and sustainment supports readiness requirements in accordance with applicable AFIs and ANGIs.
  • Assist FAMs with the management and oversight of personnel and equipment to support training, planning, and execution.
  • Assist FAMs with recommendations, management, and maintenance of UTCs, UMDs, and DOC statements for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units.
  • Assist FAMs with reviewing and tracking unit readiness reports and force posturing. Identify trends, recommend reporting criteria and provide roll-up summaries/reports/graphs by mission set.
  • Recommend criteria for, and monitor unit readiness reporting, force posturing, analyses, and execution activities.
  • Monitor ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 unit activities in all areas pertinent to ANG programs as previously listed for possible improvements or changes and inform appropriate ANG FAM.
  • Analyze all ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 unit portfolio functional and system issues and proposed requirements; recommend solutions to the ANG staff and upon their selection of a solution work with the units, the gaining MAJCOM, and HAF to resolve the issue as necessary.
  • Travel to ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 Program Management Reviews (PMRs), site visits, SAVs, SATAFs to determine the status of programs, system installations/upgrades, effectiveness of support to operations, and report on effectiveness of support operations and to establish and coordinate action on related requirements.
  • Communicate guidance to the field and coordinate with ANG unit commanders to ensure compliance with USAF, MAJCOM, or NGB policy.
  • Draft recommendations for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike, C2 and Cyber/IT combat readiness improvements or changes.
  • Assist NGB staff by providing cost and programming data for NGREA requirements.
  • Inform appropriate ANG Program Element Monitors (PEMs) and FAMs of any current or potential funding issues and provide expert ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 systems requirement recommendations in support of the POM build process for ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 units and missions.
  • Maintain awareness of weapon system installations at ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 sites and units; inform appropriate ANG weapon system FAM and/or ANG Systems officer of the progress, to include identifying any potential delays within 2 working days of notification of the potential delay.
  • Analyze ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 systems issues and recommend solutions to the NGB staff, upon their selection of a solution work with the units, the SPO, NGB staff and the gaining MAJCOM to resolve the issue.
  • Work with HAF, MAJCOMs, System Program Offices (SPOs) and NGB staffs and ANG field units to synchronize and coordinate current and future ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 system installations and capabilities and provide "cradle-to-grave" systems support.
  • Work with appropriate FAMs to manage ANG ISR, RPA, Strike and C2 personnel and units, including resolution of wartime requirements and authorization mismatches (UTC versus UMD); monitor DOC statements and DRRS reports.

Qualifications
CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret with SCI access
Bachelor's degree with seven (7) years of relevant experience or no degree with ten (10) years of working experience in the related field work or US Air Force FW/ISR support and operations.
The Government anticipates travel in support of this effort. The contractor will be authorized travel expenses consistent with the substantive provisions of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) and the limitation of funds specified in this contract
Security Clearance
Top Secret with SCI eligibility

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