2

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$78K - $116K/yr

... sensor data. * Collaborate with hardware, systems, and electrical engineering teams to develop ... Contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), coding ...

Systems Architect

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$190K - $300K/yr

Define the relationship between the vehicle, pilot, and support system for remotely operated autonomous aircraft * Perform the decomposition of aircraft, system and LRU functions, define the system ...

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

See salary details

$14

$25

$37

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

As of Jun 27, 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 does a sensor operator make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance. Salaries can vary based on the employer, certifications, and whether the role involves additional responsibilities such as data analysis or mission planning.

Do RPA sensor operators get flight pay?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically do not receive flight pay because they operate aircraft remotely from ground stations rather than being physically onboard. Compensation structures vary by employer and military branch, but flight pay is generally reserved for crew members who are physically present on the aircraft during missions. Sensor operators focus on monitoring and controlling sensors and systems, often working in a ground-based environment.

What does an RPA sensor operator do?

An RPA sensor operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring sensors on remotely piloted aircraft to gather data for surveillance, mapping, or reconnaissance missions. They operate specialized equipment, interpret sensor data, and ensure the proper functioning of sensors during flight, often requiring technical skills and certification in UAV 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.

How much does a remotely piloted aircraft RPA sensor operator make?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) sensor operators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance. They often require specialized training in sensor systems and may work in military or government sectors with shift schedules and operational demands.

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.

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.
More about Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator job openings:
What states have the most Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator jobs are:

Engineering Data Scientist

BWX Technologies

Lynchburg, VA • On-site, Remote

$62K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, BWXT is a Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,000 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
BWXT is currently seeking a Engineering Data Scientist for its Lynchburg, VA location with some remote work!
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.
The Advanced Technology (AT) division at BWXT is seeking a Engineering Data Scientist, a motivated engineer or computer scientist with a desire to use data science to help innovate and transform major nuclear products for space applications, clean power, propulsion, and medicine. Your skills in statistical analyses of high volume data, machine learning, machine vision or artificial intelligence will support research and development of new products as well as their production and delivery. This hybrid position is based in Lynchburg, VA with potential for some remote work.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.
Job Description / Duties:
The BWXT Engineering Data Scientist is a R&D role that works with design, test and manufacturing engineers to innovate and build multi-modal sensor suites for data acquisition in our new state-of-the-art prototyping facility, producing insights from experimentation. Your data models may also validate or augment physics models to support design, predict quality outcomes, or automate data processes. You will refine one or more of the following skills in the pursuit of innovative R&D and mastery of your art: the generation of data with instrumentation and sensor suite; machine vision for in-situ analysis; Python and C++ for statistical analyses or machine learning algorithms to detect patterns, predict process outcomes, or manipulate physical systems; and create comprehensive digital twins of product.
Job Qualifications / Requirements:
  • This is an innovation role, must be self-starting and comfortable supporting multiple teams, systems and developing products.
  • A Bachelor's degree in a Science or Engineering field (e.g. mechanical, nuclear, electrical, computer) is required, with a concentration in or project experience with data science techniques.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience is required.
  • Analytical and machine learning programming skills in C++ and Python required.
  • SQL or familiarity with NoSQL storage techniques or data lakes a plus.
  • Skills related to machine vision, and working with sensors or cameras to extract data for near real time analysis is desired.
  • Travel (10-20%) domestic and international is required.
  • Must be a US Citizen with no dual citizenship.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Pay: $ 62000 - $ 97000
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $62000 and $97000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Facilities, R&D Engineer, Nuclear Physics, DoD, Engineering, Operations, Science, Government

What BWX Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom