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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insitu

UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployable)

Bingen, WA · On-site +1

Operate unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with checklists and safety protocols. * Conducts ... remotely in the continental United States (excludes Hawaii, US territories, and foreign ...

Insitu, Inc.

UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployed)

Bingen, WA · On-site +1

$18.75 - $25/hr

Operate unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with checklists and safety protocols. * Conducts ... remotely in the continental United States (excludes Hawaii, US territories, and foreign ...

Insitu

UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployed)

Bingen, WA · Remote

$18.75 - $25/hr

Operate unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with checklists and safety protocols. * Conducts ... remotely in the continental United States (excludes Hawaii, US territories, and foreign ...

Slip Robotics

Robotics Perception Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

... sensor modeling Remote Work Requirements This role can be filled remotely. Remote team members are ... The chance to work on robots that are operating in production today-not a research project

SciTec

Senior Numerical Algorithm Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$127K - $167K/yr

... aircraft survivability missions. Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government ... Define and execute quantitative performance assessments of algorithms and sensor systems, including ...

@Orchard

Senior Field Service Engineer

Minot, ND · Remote

Act as a subject matter expert, training operators and customer personnel on system safety ... Proven ability to troubleshoot IP networking, RF spectrum monitoring, and sensor fusion ...

@Orchard

Senior Field Service Engineer

Minot, ND · Remote

Act as a subject matter expert, training operators and customer personnel on system safety ... Proven ability to troubleshoot IP networking, RF spectrum monitoring, and sensor fusion ...

FMS Aerospace

Technical Writer

Huntsville, AL · On-site +1

Bridger Aerospace has grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack fleet, Special Missions Sensor Equipped Aircraft, and the largest privately operated Super Scooper ...

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 ...

Camp

Account Manager

... aircraft globally. Air charter operators and flight departments are provided with a fully cloud ... Work remotely within the conterminous United States adhering to Eastern Standard Time office hours.

Darkhive

Sr Embedded Linux Engineer

We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools ... Solid understanding of MIPI CSI interfaces, camera sensor integration, and V4L2 pipeline

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All JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

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$37

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

As of Jul 18, 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 do RPA pilots make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of missions, security clearance, and geographic location, with higher pay often associated with military or government roles.

How long is RPA sensor operator training?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operator training typically lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the program and the complexity of the equipment. Training includes classroom instruction, simulator practice, and hands-on experience with drone sensors and systems to ensure operational proficiency.

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 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.

How much do RPA sensor operators make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills in sensor operation, data analysis, and certification can lead to higher salaries in this specialized field.

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.

How to become a RPA sensor operator?

To become a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) sensor operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in UAV operations and sensor systems. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority is often required, along with experience in aviation, electronics, or related fields. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate complex equipment are essential for this role.
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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs near you
UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployable)

UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployable)

Insitu

Bingen, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Insitu has an immediate need for a UAS Operator with previous Insitu product experience, ideally with the Integrator aircraft and/or Maritime deployments. You will play a critical role in operating and maintaining unmanned aircraft systems for various platforms. Your expertise will be utilized to coordinate customer missions, deliver full-motion video and payload data, and provide high-touch customer service on our products.

You will have the opportunity to be deployed around the world with our products to support our customer's important missions.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate unmanned aircraft systems in compliance with checklists and safety protocols.
  • Conducts preflight planning to include mission briefings weather forecasts, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), Special Instructions (SPINs) and airspace requirements.
  • Evaluates customer's mission requirements and determines operational needs.
  • Collect and analyze data obtained from flights; complete post-mission reports/logs.
  • Collaborate with team members and customers to plan and execute UAS mission.
  • Performs UAS and ground support equipment testing, troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Coordinates with Company subject matter experts to resolve issues beyond the scope of field maintenance capability, as needed.
  • Conducts inventory of UAS spares/components and reports cycle counts.

Required:

  • Minimum 3+ years of prior experience operating and/or maintaining UAS platforms.
  • Knowledge and experience providing direct support and service to customers in a field environment.
  • Strong customer service background and excellent communication skills
  • Must be willing to deploy to remote and at times austere environments for 4-to-6-month assignments; willingness to travel up to 70% of the year.
  • Ability to pass customer-mandated medical, dental, and psychological pre-deployment screening process.
  • Ability to carry up to 40 lbs. and work in outdoor environments, including at times extreme high and low temperatures, and variable weather.
  • An active DoW Secret clearance.

Preferred:

  • Maritime deployed experience.
  • Integrator, or RQ21 experience.
  • Experience delivering system training; ability to apply knowledge of instructional skills.
  • Current qualifications on ScanEagle or Integrator; Operator/Maintenance and/or Mission Coordinator qualifications
  • Other relevant experience working with UAS (ex. training, flight test, engineering)
  • Prior military experience or experience working with military customers.
  • Top Secret Clearance
  • Basic networking skills

Typical Education and Experience:

  • Associate degree in related discipline and typically 3 or more years of related experience or a comparable combination of education, military and/or work experience.

Offer contingent upon selected applicant providing a current FAA Class 2 Medical certificate.

Due to the rotational and assignment-based nature of this position, you are not required to live near the home offices in Bingen, WA / Hood River, OR, but may live remotely in the continental United States (excludes Hawaii, US territories, and foreign jurisdictions). Occasional travel to the Bingen, WA area may be required.

At Insitu, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Insitu also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire.
Please note that the salary information show below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.

Typical Hiring Range: 30.40 - 41.80

Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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