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Uav Remote Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 New York ...

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / 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 Charlotte ...

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 Atlanta ...

Showing results 21-40

Uav Remote Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do uav remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav remote pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV remote pilot?

UAV Remote Pilots, also known as drone pilots, are professionals who operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, agriculture, and delivery services. They are responsible for planning flight paths, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and complying with aviation regulations. UAV Remote Pilots often work in industries like construction, media, agriculture, and public safety, using their skills to capture data or images from the air. Certification and knowledge of relevant regulations, such as those set by the FAA in the United States, are usually required for this role.

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

To thrive as a UAV Remote Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and knowledge of aviation regulations, often supported by a remote pilot certificate or relevant aviation license. Proficiency with UAV control systems, GPS navigation tools, and mission planning software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help pilots adapt to dynamic conditions and collaborate with teams. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant UAV operations in various environments.

What are some common challenges UAV remote pilots face when operating drones in diverse environments?

UAV Remote Pilots often encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, varying terrain, and potential signal interference, which can impact flight stability and mission success. Navigating regulatory restrictions and obtaining the necessary flight permissions for different airspaces is also a frequent hurdle. Additionally, effective communication and coordination with ground teams and other airspace users are crucial to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Being adaptable and well-versed in troubleshooting technical issues is essential for success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Uav Remote Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectUav Remote PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften holds FAA Part 107 or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentConducts flights for commercial, industrial, or government projectsOperates drones for filming, photography, or recreational use
Industry UsageUsed in surveying, mapping, inspection, and agricultureCommon in media production, real estate, and entertainment

While both Uav Remote Pilots and Drone Operators operate drones, Uav Remote Pilots typically hold specific certifications and work on commercial or industrial projects, whereas Drone Operators often focus on media and recreational activities. The roles overlap but differ mainly in certification requirements and work scope.

More about Uav Remote Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Uav Remote Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Uav Remote Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Uav Remote Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Uav Remote Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Uav Remote Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

ZMP Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC

Farmington, MN • Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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: 2614904

Location: Farmington, MN, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

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, 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.

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