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Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reliable Robotics

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 ...

Meso Scale Discovery

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 ...

Avinode Group

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 ...

Aerostrat

Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

... aircraft operators. Aerostrat's success to date has been driven by a lean team focused on ... Working remotely with flexible hours to remove commute times * Unlimited PTO and 11 holidays per ...

Aerostrat

Senior Software Engineer (Full-Stack)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

... aircraft operators. Aerostrat's success to date has been driven by a lean team focused on ... Working remotely with flexible hours to remove commute times * Unlimited PTO and 11 holidays per ...

Aerostrat

Senior Software Engineer (Full-Stack)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

... aircraft operators. Aerostrat's success to date has been driven by a lean team focused on ... Working remotely with flexible hours to remove commute times * Unlimited PTO and 11 holidays per ...

Aerostrat

Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

... aircraft operators. Aerostrat's success to date has been driven by a lean team focused on ... Working remotely with flexible hours to remove commute times * Unlimited PTO and 11 holidays per ...

Aerostrat

Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

... aircraft operators. Aerostrat's success to date has been driven by a lean team focused on ... Working remotely with flexible hours to remove commute times * Unlimited PTO and 11 holidays per ...

Wing

Learning & Development Lead

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents ... This role is hybrid based in Palo Alto, CA or based remotely in the United States . We are looking ...

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All JobsRemotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator Jobs

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator information

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$25

$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
Systems Architect

Systems Architect

Reliable Robotics

Mountain View, CA • On-site, Remote

$190K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

We're building safety-enhancing technology for aviation that will save lives. Automated aviation systems will enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods - and eventually people - move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.
As a Systems Architect at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Systems team and will report to the Systems & Safety Manager. The Systems & Safety Team is responsible for architecting systems which support novel safety-critical functions, establishing development methodologies for new technologies, and complying with the federal regulations.
As part of an experienced multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to expanding the aircraft's operational and functional capabilities. Your professional experience in system design and development will further strengthen the team's ability to meet rigorous expectations of stakeholders and certification authorities. You will collaborate with members from other groups within Reliable Robotics to architect new and novel systems necessary for unmanned aircraft operations.
Responsibilities
In your role as a Systems Architect you will be responsible for the development and architectural design of prototypes and certifiable safety-critical flight systems in a dynamic start-up work environment.
You will have the following responsibilities:
  • Define new/novel functions necessary to control autonomous aircraft and manage contingencies
  • 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 physical / logical architecture and allocate functionality
  • Perform trades studies to assess performance, complexity, risk, and cost of competing technical solutions
  • Work closely with system and safety analysts to define system architectural features to meet safety and security requirements
  • Derive and validate requirements and interfaces based on the architecture to ensure correct and complete implementation at the next design level
  • Support product development all the way through development up to production, test, and certification

You'll also have the opportunity to interact with other domains within Reliable Robotics and become involved in a broad task spectrum not limited to typical system engineering activities.
Basic Success Criteria
  • Bachelor's Degree of Science or Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related discipline, or equivalent experience at a minimum
  • Broad experience from 7+ years of designing and integrating various complex safety-critical aerospace systems
  • Demonstrated self starter with the ability to solve problems from first principles
  • Ability to work well independently and cross-functionally across multiple organizations

Preferred Criteria
  • Advanced Degree of Science or Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to justify novel architectural solutions to regulators
  • Experience certifying flight critical systems, hardware, and software via ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-254, and DO-178C respectively

We are developing and building high-integrity safety-critical systems for automated flight, and your role is critical to what we do at Reliable Robotics. With the support of the entire team, you will be making key aircraft architectural design decisions to drive our core mission forward.
This role can be remote, or located at our facility in Mountain View, California.
Must be willing to travel up to 20% of the time.
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. An offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws.
All applicants are asked to provide documentation that legally establishes status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (and nationalities in the case of a non-U.S. person). Where the applicant is not a U.S. person, meaning not a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or not otherwise permitted to access the export-controlled technology without U.S. government authorization, the Company reserves the right not to apply for an export license for such applicants whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code requires authorization and may decline to proceed with the application process and any offer of employment on that basis.
At Reliable Robotics, our goal is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical conditions, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment and promotion is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to work@reliable.co

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