Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Alpha Drones USA, Inc. is seeking a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to lead field operations across diverse drone fleets, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The RPIC holds primary authority for flight missions and oversees SOP adherence in dynamic, real-world environments. The ideal candidate will manage pre-flight planning, risk assessments, airspace clearances, and crew briefings while supervising field technicians and VOs.

Qualifications

• 50+ logged commercial flight hours on enterprise sUAS platforms.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA airspace, weather charts, and emergency safety protocols.
• Valid Driver’s License with reliable transportation to job sites across the regional hub.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Flight Operations Execution: Safely pilot commercial sUAS for assignments per FAA Part 107 and local airspace regulations.
• Pre-Flight Planning & Safety Briefings: conduct risk assessments, review weather forecasts, secure airspace clearances, lead crew safety briefings.
• Equipment Maintenance & Inspections: complete pre-flight checks, inspect sensors/payloads, maintain battery rotation, document logs.
• Crew Direction: supervise Visual Observers (VOs) and field technicians during missions.
• Data Integrity & Reporting: ensure accurate collection, backup, and upload of flight data, and post-flight reports.

Skills

Remote piloting

Flight operations

Safety oversight

Risk assessment

Tools

DJI Enterprise platforms

Matrice drones

Job description

Position Title: Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)
Reports To: Operations Director / Flight Operations Lead
Hourly or Flight-Contracted

Position Overview

Alpha Drones USA is hiring FAA Part 107 certified Remote Pilots in Command (RPIC) to lead field operations across specialized commercial drone fleets (including inspection, cinematography, agriculture, delivery, and aerial mapping). The RPIC maintains primary authority and safety oversight for assigned flight missions, ensuring strict compliance with FAA regulations, airspace authorizations, and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Operations Execution: Safely pilot commercial sUAS for specialized mission assignments in accordance with FAA Part 107 and local airspace regulations.
• Pre-Flight Planning & Safety Briefings: Conduct risk assessments, review weather forecasts, secure airspace clearances (LAANC/Waivers), and lead crew safety briefings prior to flight operations.
• Equipment Maintenance & Inspections: Complete pre-flight checks, inspect sensors/payloads, maintain battery rotation, and document equipment logs.
• Crew Direction: Supervise Visual Observers (VOs) and field technicians during missions to maintain situational awareness and clear operational boundaries.
• Data Integrity & Reporting: Ensure accurate collection, backup, and upload of flight data, and mission reports post-flight.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Flight Experience: Minimum 50+ logged commercial flight hours on enterprise sUAS platforms (e.g., DJI Enterprise, Matrice, Agras, thermal/multispectral systems).
• Aviation Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of FAA airspace, weather charts, and emergency safety protocols.
• Logistics: Valid Driver’s License with reliable transportation to job sites across the regional hub.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.