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Uas Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

Anchorage, AK · Remote

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ...

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Uas Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do uas operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for uas operator in Alaska is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAS operator?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Operator is responsible for piloting drones for various applications, such as aerial surveying, reconnaissance, photography, and inspections. They ensure safe and legal operation by following aviation regulations and mission-specific protocols. UAS Operators may work in industries like defense, agriculture, construction, or emergency response. Their tasks include flight planning, equipment maintenance, data collection, and reporting. Some positions require specialized training or certifications, depending on the type of drone and industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a UAS operator?

As a UAS Operator, your daily responsibilities often include pre-flight checks, mission planning, navigating and piloting the drone during operations, and collecting or analyzing aerial data. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting equipment, maintaining logs, and ensuring all flights adhere to regulatory safety standards. Depending on the industry, you could collaborate closely with surveyors, engineers, public safety officials, or media teams. Flexibility is important, as tasks can vary based on client needs, weather conditions, and site locations. This dynamic work environment offers opportunities to continually develop new technical and team-based skills.

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

To thrive as a UAS Operator, you need strong piloting skills, situational awareness, and a deep understanding of drone technology, typically supported by an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or relevant military/commercial credentials. Familiarity with ground control software, flight planning tools, GPS systems, and UAS maintenance procedures is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators excel in both independent missions and collaborative operations. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of unmanned aerial systems operations across various applications.

Do Uas Operators make good money?

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operators can earn a competitive salary, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with specialized skills in drone technology and regulations tend to have higher earning potential, especially in sectors like surveying, agriculture, or film production.

How to become a UAS operator?

To become a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operator, individuals typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by passing an aeronautical knowledge test. They should also be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and adhere to regulations regarding drone operation, including maintaining visual line of sight and flying below certain altitude limits.

How to get a job as a Uas Operator?

To become a Uas (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Operator, candidates typically need a combination of relevant education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and specialized training or certification in drone operation. Many employers prefer applicants with FAA Part 107 certification or equivalent, along with experience using remote sensing tools and understanding airspace regulations.

What does a Uas Operator do?

A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Operator is responsible for flying and managing drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, often for tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, or data collection. They operate remote controls, monitor flight systems, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often requiring certification or training in drone operation. UAS Operators work in various industries including agriculture, construction, and media, typically following regulations set by aviation authorities.

What are popular job titles related to Uas Operator jobs in Alaska?

For Uas Operator jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Uas Operator jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Uas Operator jobs in Alaska are:

Uas Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uas Operator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,950 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

ZAN Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Anchorage, AK • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614276

Location: Anchorage, AK, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Computer Operator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position.

We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidate to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) in Anchorage, AK, 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:

  • 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
  • US Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

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

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