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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs in Springfield, VA

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 Springfield, VA

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$15

$26

$39

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 Springfield, VA is $26.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $34.90 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 Springfield, VA?

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

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA 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 Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,511 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Strike Support SME

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Andrews, MD • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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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