ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia

Redhorse Corporation

Data Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

Data Analysts will serve primarily as the operators of the PANDA platform's Data Cleaning, Analyzer ... Delivery Teams will each be responsible for a subset of assigned aircraft platforms and respective ...

All JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$23

$32

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for remotely piloted aircraft sensor operator in Virginia is $23.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $32.50 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 are popular job titles related to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,495 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Data Analyst

Redhorse Corporation

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Data Analyst
About the Organization
Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. Our mission is to change the way government interacts with and uses data and technology. Our purpose is to help government to better serve its citizens. Redhorse Corporation offers a proven approach to mission-focused innovation. Design thinking helps us understand customer problems and develop better ways to solve them. Lean Startup lets us turn those ideas into business models that work, quickly and for the least cost. Our world class data scientists wring the value from data, and Agile helps us deliver solutions quickly and incrementally, building exactly what is needed, as fast as possible. We are hiring creative, motivated and talented people with a passion for doing what’s right, what’s smart, and what works.

Position Description
Redhorse Corporation (Redhorse) is seeking an exceptional team player to serve as a Data Analyst for the Conditions Based Maintenance (CBM+) Program. Data Analysts will serve primarily as the operators of the PANDA platform’s Data Cleaning, Analyzer and LRSF Applications. The Analysts will be selected primarily for technical and data acumen and the ability to rapidly learn a new software suite. This position will be based in our National Capital Region offices in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, VA, with opportunities for remote work to be determined by the program manager and customer.
Essential Functions:
  • Delivery Teams will each be responsible for a subset of assigned aircraft platforms and respective work unit codes (WUCs) within an Aircraft Group. Delivery Teams are primarily responsible for data analysis/data science work supporting the following functions:
    • sustain existing WUC predictive failure models
    • support selection and analysis of new WUC predictive failure models
    • field newly approved WUC predictive failure models
    • generate monthly enhanced reliability centered maintenance forecasts for assigned WUCs
    • generate and maintain a long-range supply forecast utilizing Monte Carlo simulation for assigned WUCs
    • participate in user and stakeholder engagements and technical discussions
    • gather and provide feedback on best practices and recommended enhancements to the platform
    • document work performed in technical reports
Minimum Basic Requirements for Skills, Experience, Education and Credentials include:
  • Associate degree in a highly quantitative field (Computer Science, Machine Learning, Operational Research, Statistics, Mathematics, etc.) or equivalent professional or military experience. (We prefer Analysts with a technical background and an undergraduate degree but believe that practical technical experience is an acceptable substitute.)
  • Understanding of Weibull distribution and use for modeling part failures
  • Proven ability to drive key client communication and expectations
  • Ability to understand business functionality
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience working with office productivity software, such as Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and file sharing applications.
  • Able to travel as needed to meet with government customers and stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications include:
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Experience as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician in the US Air Force or elsewhere in the DoD Is highly desired
  • Experience with Predictive Maintenance / Logistics
  • Experience with sensor-based failure predictions and modeling
Executive Order Requirement:
In accordance with Executive Order 14042 as a Federal Contractor Redhorse requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by December 8, 2021 or prior to the first date of employment, whichever is later. As required by the Executive Order, Redhorse will work in coordination with applicable contract agencies to consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.
Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs.
This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

Apply