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Traffic Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

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 ...

MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS

Drone Pilot

Flagstaff, AZ · On-site

Pilot drones to monitor parking lot occupancy, lift line length, trail traffic, and base area flow * Capture snow coverage, grooming patterns, and terrain conditions * Apply AI tools to analyze ...

SAIC

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

Des Moines, IA · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

CLT Remote Pilot Operator

Charlotte, NC · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

FAI Remote Pilot Operator

Fairbanks, AK · Remote

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 ...

SAIC

MSY Remote Pilot Operator

New Orleans, LA · Remote

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 ...

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$22.5K

$60.2K

$109.5K

How much do traffic pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic pilot in the United States is $60,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a Traffic Pilot?

As a Traffic Pilot, your day often starts early, preparing flight plans and checking weather conditions before taking off to monitor roadways during peak commute times. You will fly predetermined routes over urban areas, observe traffic patterns, and relay up-to-date reports to news stations or traffic control centers, often in collaboration with an onboard observer or reporter. Communication and quick decision-making are keys to adapting to changing conditions in the air and on the ground. Downtime is used for debriefing, managing flight logs, and maintaining your aircraft in coordination with ground crews. The role offers a dynamic mix of flying and real-time reporting, making it ideal for pilots who thrive in fast-paced, information-driven environments.

What is a Traffic Pilot job?

A Traffic Pilot is responsible for flying aircraft to monitor and report on traffic conditions, often for news stations, government agencies, or private companies. They provide live traffic updates to help commuters navigate congestion and accidents. Traffic Pilots must have a commercial pilot's license and experience flying small aircraft, usually helicopters or light planes. Their job requires excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to operate in busy airspace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Traffic Pilot position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Traffic Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, thorough knowledge of aviation regulations, and experience in aerial observation and navigation. Familiarity with radio communication equipment, weather monitoring tools, and GPS systems is crucial for providing real-time traffic updates and safe operations. Attention to detail, decisiveness, and strong interpersonal communication skills are valuable assets for this position. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate reporting, flight safety, and effective coordination with media outlets and air traffic controllers.

More about Traffic Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Traffic Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Traffic Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Traffic Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Traffic Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Traffic Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Pilot jobs are:
Traffic Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,162 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
DSM Remote Pilot Operator

DSM Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 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 Casual, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Des Moines Intl ATCT/TRACON (DSM) in Des Moines, IA, 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

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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