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Uav Pilots Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator (71452)

Charlotte, NC

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Drone Pilot Operator / Window Cleaning Work Schedule: * Monday to Friday (Saturday and worknights ... Must have an active FAA part 107 UAV license. * Must have reliable transportation (local travel ...

... UAV operations and other applications across the business units in the Southeast region ... FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification or ability to obtain in the first 6 months.

... UAV operations and other applications across the business units in the Southeast region ... FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification or ability to obtain in the first 6 months.

... UAV operations and other applications across the business units in the Southeast region ... FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification or ability to obtain in the first 6 months.

... UAV operations and other applications across the business units in the Southeast region ... FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification or ability to obtain in the first 6 months.

... UAV operations and other applications across the business units in the Southeast region ... FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Certification or ability to obtain in the first 6 months.

Uav Pilots information

See North Carolina salary details

$38.9K

$83.1K

$134K

How much do uav pilots jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav pilots in North Carolina is $83,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $88,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical aptitude in aeronautics, and often a relevant certification such as FAA Part 107 for commercial drone operation. Familiarity with flight planning software, remote sensing tools, and GPS navigation systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient missions. These skills are vital to operate drones safely, comply with regulations, and deliver accurate results in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges UAV pilots face when operating drones in the field?

UAV pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, managing limited battery life, and ensuring compliance with local airspace regulations. Field operations may also require troubleshooting technical issues on the spot and maintaining situational awareness to avoid obstacles or hazards. Successful UAV pilots stay updated on best practices, regularly inspect their equipment, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

What are UAV pilots?

UAV pilots, also known as drone pilots or unmanned aerial vehicle operators, are professionals trained to operate drones for various purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, inspections, agriculture, and surveillance. They control and monitor drones from a remote location, ensuring safe and accurate flight operations. UAV pilots must be knowledgeable about aviation regulations, weather conditions, and technical aspects of drone systems. Many UAV pilots are required to obtain certifications or licenses depending on the country and type of work they perform.

What is the difference between Uav Pilots vs Drone Operators?

AspectUav PilotsDrone Operators
CertificationsFAA Part 107 CertificationFAA Part 107 Certification
Work EnvironmentAerial missions, outdoor locationsVaried settings, including indoor and outdoor
Industry UsageSurveying, filmmaking, agricultureInspection, photography, videography

Uav Pilots and Drone Operators often share certifications and work environments, but Uav Pilots typically perform more complex flight operations and may hold additional licenses. Both roles are essential in industries like filmmaking, agriculture, and surveying, with overlapping skills but different levels of responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Uav Pilots jobs in North Carolina? For Uav Pilots jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Uav Pilots jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Pilots jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Uav Pilots jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Uav Pilots job openings:
Remote Pilot Operator, FAA Regional Training Site, Charlotte, NC

Remote Pilot Operator, FAA Regional Training Site, Charlotte, NC

SAIC

Charlotte, NC • Remote

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: T2509699

Location: Charlotte, NC, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-05

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 (aka 'Drone') Pilot / Operator position.

We are looking for an experienced Controller Training Solutions (CTS) Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) to join the SAIC team providing air traffic controller training services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the FAA Regional Training Site located in Charlotte, NC.

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).

SAIC is a leading provider of technical, engineering and enterprise information technology services to the U.S. government. Our 25,000+ employees deliver systems engineering and information technology offerings for large, complex government programs, as well as a broad range of higher-end, differentiated technology services. The company is headquartered in Reston, VA.

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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