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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs in Florida

... operating in the world's most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in ... Perform site surveys and assist in the development of aircraft and Regional Ground Entry Point ...

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

See Florida salary details

$9

$19

$27

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for remotely piloted aircraft sensor operator in Florida is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remotely piloted aircraft sensor operator?

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?

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.

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.

What does a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator do?

A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator is responsible for managing and operating sensors and imaging equipment on unmanned aircraft systems to collect intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. They monitor sensor performance, interpret data, and ensure the quality of information gathered during missions, often working with specialized training and certifications. The role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate complex equipment in a remote or field environment.

What are popular job titles related to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs in Florida?

For Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,277 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Senior Specialist, PMO

AdventHealth

Tampa, FL • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


AdventHealth rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 1,277 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Who We Are:

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world's most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

Our vertically integrated space and ground capabilities bring together satellite capacity, terrestrial infrastructure, advanced network technologies, and deployed user terminals to support mission-critical government operations around the world. We are a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, NASA, and other civilian agencies, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions when mission success is critical.

At SES Space & Defense, our people are our competitive advantage. You'll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, innovation, accountability, and delivering real-world impact for customers whose missions matter most.

#LI-Remote

Senior Specialist, PMO

Onsite from MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL
Candidate must have a Top Secret (TS) Clearance with SCI eligibility

We are seeking a highly skilled and mission-focused Senior Specialist, PMO to lead and support advanced satellite communications (SATCOM) operations for both manned and unmanned airborne platforms. This senior-level role is critical to ensuring seamless communication and data transport across complex airborne systems, directly supporting national security and defense operations.

As a Tier 3 expert, you will be responsible for tracking, planning, troubleshooting, and coordinating all SATCOM-related functions. You'll lead a team of professionals and collaborate with cross-functional units to resolve issues involving full motion video (FMV), sensor data transport, and unit-level support. Your expertise will be instrumental in optimizing SATCOM network utilization and ensuring mission readiness.

In this dynamic role, you will also participate in mission planning, operational support, technical conferences, and documentation development. Flexibility is key, as you may be called upon to address high-priority issues outside of standard working hours via phone support.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support and lead Manned & Unmanned SATCOM systems troubleshooting for the purpose of operational support
  • Provide subject matter expertise to AISR management center and government personnel
  • Perform site surveys and assist in the development of aircraft and Regional Ground Entry Point (RGEP)operations
  • Act as an operation lead, representing Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems interests for enterprise upgrades and changes during Information Planning Team (IPT) meetings
  • Prepare and review applicable Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems aircraft documentation with reference to SATCOM networks and systems
  • Verify technical equipment specifications to ensure all new and existing aircraft follow policies and procedures set by USSOCOM J6 policy
  • Coordinate with supported organizations to ensure all new and existing aircraft follow AISR SATCOM policies and procedures set by USSOCOM
  • Travel to sites, if necessary, for planning, implementation, or troubleshooting of Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems platforms.
  • Participate in the research, evaluation, and selection of new technologies
  • Support training of AISR management center personnel
  • Prepare reports documenting utilization levels, failure rates or other statistical reports as directed.
  • Review documentation for Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems operations perspective and interests, ensuring accuracy and that Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems equity stakes are represented
  • Analyze complex communication systems, including planning, designing, evaluating, selecting operating systems and protocol suites and configuring communication media with concentrators, bridges and other devices
  • Resolve difficult interoperability problems to obtain operation across all platforms including e-mail, files transfer, multimedia, teleconferencing and the like
  • Configure systems to user environments
  • Support acquisition of hardware and software as well as subcontractor services
  • May act as a technical project leader or provide work leadership for lower-level employees
  • May provide written technical descriptions and contribute to the development of technical solutions in support of proposal efforts
  • Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree and 8+ years of experience or relevant combination of education and/or experience
  • SME level knowledge of the MQ-9, MQ-1A, MQ-1B, and/or MQ-1C platforms and Ground Control Systems
  • Candidate must have a Top Secret (TS) Clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively in a team-oriented environment
  • Ability to successfully interact with other IT professionals and end-users
  • Strong analytic and problem-solving skills
  • Open and responsive to change and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement by identifying and responding actively with sensitivity to the needs of all Customers
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer, or business meetings

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $105,400 to $144,900. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position's location, the candidate's relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus. Employees are eligible to participate in SES Space & Defense's benefits programs, which include paid vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; and others.


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