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Tower Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

Farmington, MN · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

ZNY Remote Pilot Operator

Ronkonkoma, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

LAS Remote Pilot Operator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

ZME Remote Pilot Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

N90 - Remote Pilot Operator

Westbury, NY · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

EWR - Remote Pilot Operator

Newark, NJ · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Part-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

D10 Remote Pilot Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired ...

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Tower Drone information

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How much do tower drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tower drone in the United States is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tower drone?

Tower Drone operators are professionals who use unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to inspect, survey, and monitor telecommunications towers and related infrastructure. They are trained to pilot drones safely and capture high-resolution images and video for maintenance, safety inspections, and data analysis. This role helps reduce the need for manual climbing, improving safety and efficiency for tower maintenance and inspections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tower drone operator?

To thrive as a Tower Drone Operator, you need expertise in drone piloting, aerial photography, and a solid understanding of FAA regulations, often supported by a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient drone operations, accurate data collection, and clear reporting in tower inspections or related tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by tower drone operators, and how can they be addressed?

Tower Drone Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating complex airspace regulations, ensuring drone safety during inspections of tall structures, and managing data accuracy for reporting. To address these, operators stay updated on FAA or local aviation guidelines, conduct thorough pre-flight checks, and use advanced software to process and analyze collected data efficiently. Collaborating closely with site managers and maintenance teams also helps ensure that inspections run smoothly and findings are clearly communicated.

What is the difference between Tower Drone vs Tower Technician?

AspectTower Drone
Primary RoleOperate drones for tower inspections, data collection, and monitoring
CertificationsFAA drone pilot license, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, at heights, often in remote locations
Tools & EquipmentDrones, remote controls, inspection software

While Tower Drones focus on operating unmanned aerial vehicles for tower inspections, Tower Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and repairs on towers. Both roles require safety certifications and work in outdoor environments, but Tower Drones emphasize drone operation and data collection, whereas Tower Technicians handle physical repairs and installations.

More about Tower Drone jobs
What job categories do people searching Tower Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tower Drone jobs are:
Tower Drone jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tower Drone job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,357 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Farmington, MN • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS, UAV, RPV, or DRONE pilot position.
We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Minneapolis ARTCC (ZMP) in Farmington, MN, supporting air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Job Description:
The RPO plays the role of the pilot and other controllers in the Air Traffic Controller training simulator. The RPO operates a combination of a simulated radar display and voice communication system to simulate the actions and communication of pilots and remote ATC facilities during medium and high-fidelity training exercises. RPOs receive voice commands from students, input proper entries into the automated system to simulate pilot actions, translate displayed information into appropriate ATC terminology, and respond to the student via the VCS utilizing proper phraseology.
The candidate will be required to complete the following certifications: Classroom (pass test on airspace and procedures) and Lab (perform as a Remote Pilot Operator on all positions).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that air traffic control specialists provide the flying public with a high level of safety and professionalism. A well-trained Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce plays an essential role in fulfilling this responsibility. The FAA employs more than 14,000 air traffic controllers. They work in air traffic facilities of varying sizes, safely separating more than 50,000 aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) each day.
To provide such air traffic services, the FAA trains new air traffic control specialists and provides recurrent training to current air traffic control specialists. The FAA utilizes Contractor-provided instructional services at FAA ATC facilities throughout the U.S. and its Territories to ensure these training needs are met. The scope of the contractor-provided services includes all training and training program support to successfully train and prepare students to become fully certified air traffic controllers. SAIC must provide training and training related support services as required for all types and levels of ATC facilities.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
  • Candidates for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Candidates must possess an ability to read and interpret materials such as diagrams and manuals and have the ability to speak clearly and be understood
Desired Skills and Experience:
  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (Multimedia Developers, Quality Assurance, Instructions System Designers, Subject Matter Experts, Instructors)
  • Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Working knowledge of the FAAO JO 7110.65 is strongly desired, but not required
  • Effective team building skills
  • MS Office Suite Proficiency (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization of current technologic tools (tablets, notebooks, applications, etc.)
  • Basic familiarization or experience with pilot/controller communications or phraseology

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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