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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Secret Service

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

Landover, MD · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating small, unmanned aircraft to conduct aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, site assessments ... Collecting or analyzing unmanned aircraft systems sensor data to aid in threat identification or ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow ... With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Senior Remote Pilot

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$111K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Radiance Technologies

R&D Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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, Inc.

UAS Operator 3 (Remote/Deployed)

Bingen, WA · On-site +1

$18.75 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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/Deployable)

Bingen, WA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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/Deployable)

Bingen, WA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... 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

@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 ...

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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 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.

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.
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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 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,145 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Sr Manager, Aerostructures Design, X-BAT

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • Remote

$190K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI was founded to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are building the world’s best AI pilot and the aircraft that enable autonomy at scale. Our technology operates in complex, contested environments where GPS and communications may be denied, degraded, or unavailable.

The technology we build demands cross-functional teaming and collaborative execution to solve the hardest problems in autonomy, aerospace engineering, and robotics. Engineers at Shield AI do not work in silos — they work shoulder-to-shoulder across disciplines to rapidly move from concept to flight-ready systems deployed in the real world.  

X-BAT represents the next generation of autonomous airpower: a runway-independent, AI-piloted aircraft designed to execute missions in highly contested environments. Powered by Hivemind, Shield AI’s combat-proven autonomy stack, X-BAT combines long-range performance, survivability, and autonomous mission execution into a scalable operational platform.  

The Sr Manager of Aerostructures Design for X-BAT, role requires a technically elite aerospace leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, can build and scale high-performing engineering organizations, and is energized by solving complex problems that directly impact national security.

What you'll do:
  • Lead the aerostructures design organization for the X-BAT program.
  • Drive development of lightweight, manufacturable, survivable aircraft structures optimized for autonomous combat aircraft operations
  • Partner closely with flight sciences, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, autonomy, flight test, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated aircraft solutions
  • Establish engineering processes, design standards, configuration management, and structural development roadmaps across the program lifecycle
  • Oversee development and validation of composite and metallic airframe structures, including primary load-bearing assemblies
  • Build and mentor a world-class aerostructures engineering team capable of rapid execution and technical excellence
  • Support transition from development programs into scalable production environments
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for structural, manufacturing, and flight-test findings
  • Present technical reviews, program risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 12+ years of aerospace structural engineering experience, including leadership responsibility on advanced aircraft programs
  • Deep expertise in aircraft primary structures, composites, metallic design, structural analysis, and integration
  • Experience leading teams through full aircraft development cycles from conceptual design through flight test and production
  • Strong understanding of aircraft loads, stress analysis, fatigue, durability, and structural substantiation methodologies
  • Experience collaborating across highly integrated aerospace development organizations
  • Proven ability to recruit, develop, and scale high-performing engineering teams
  • Experience operating in fast-paced development environments with aggressive technical schedules
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience with autonomous aircraft, tactical aviation, unmanned systems, or defense aerospace platforms
  • Expertise in composite airframe manufacturing and high-rate production methodologies
  • Background supporting low observable, survivability, or expeditionary aircraft design considerations
  • Familiarity with military airworthiness standards and defense acquisition environments
  • Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions in venture-backed or high-growth aerospace organizationsDirector, Aerostructures – X-BAT 
#LI-KK1
#LF

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.