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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Radiance Technologies

R&D Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site +1

The candidate will support infrared sensor data analysis functions through the development and ... Generate EO/IR/RF signatures using COTS and GOTS software packages * R&D on remotely sensed data to ...

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

Metrea

King Air Captain

Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global ... Oversee aircraft preflight, mission configuration, performance calculations, and maintenance ...

New

@Orchard

Senior Field Service Engineer

Cheyenne, WY · 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 ...

GuideTech LLC

Senior Navigation Engineer

$107K - $146K/yr

Your work will directly influence the performance of mission-critical autonomy systems operating in ... Develop and integrate multi-sensor navigation systems using GNSS, INS, IMUs, vision, LiDAR, RF, and ...

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All JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

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

As of Aug 9, 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.

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 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.
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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,145 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Joby Aviation

Yuma, AZ • Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation's Flight Research team is looking for an experienced remote pilot to operate research and development UAS platforms and lead the daily flight operation onsite. Drawing on past experience operating medium to large UAS, the role will fulfill pilot command duties in support of flight test operations in the National Airspace System. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for the continued development and implementation of standard operating procedures to support the evolving project. Joining a small, fast moving team this position will support additional responsibilities and tasks such as hands on work with the aircraft and ground support equipment, upholding strong safety culture, and support pre and post test activities with engineers.

Responsibilities
  • Act as the senior remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms
  • Conduct preflight planning and inspections of the system
  • Support test planning and take part in test rehearsals
  • Post flight reports, internal and external
  • Lead other crewmembers in preparation, execution, and post test activities
Required
  • Part 61 Private Pilot certificate with Instrument rating
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate
  • Current Class 3 medical
  • Experience operating Group 3 + UAS
  • Experience with manual (non-GPS) and/or augmented flight modes using a traditional RC controller interface for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft
  • Fully automated remote flight
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and training
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience
  • Significant UAS experience. Depending on platforms, >300 hrs >200 sorties
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • Development and administration of policy and procedures
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
Desired
  • Part 61 Commercial pilot certificate
  • Support of new aircraft or systems development
  • Acceptance testing experience
  • Flight test engineering
  • UAS operations within the National Airspace System beyond Part 107
  • Standard operating procedures development
  • Basic CAD and manufacturing experience
  • Systems engineering
  • A&P or similar experience
  • Aircraft, ground station, and/or subsystem design and build
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $111,900 - $191,200/yr.

. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15. "US Person" includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees. 

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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