ZAU - Remote Pilot Operator

SAIC; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Part-time Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) to join the Controller Training Solutions team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL, supporting FAA training services.

The RPO simulates pilots and air traffic environments using a radar display and voice comms, following FAA procedures. Certification training includes classroom and lab components.

Candidates should have US citizenship, a high school diploma, and strong communication skills; familiarity with ATC phraseology is a plus.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required with ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.
• High school diploma or equivalent with basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to read/interpret diagrams and manuals and speak clearly.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot/ATC training simulator as Remote Pilot Operator (RPO).
• Input entries into automated system to simulate pilot actions.
• Translate displayed information into ATC terminology and respond via voice communication system with proper phraseology.

Skills

US Citizenship

Read diagrams

Speak clearly

Multidisciplinary teamwork

ATC terminology knowledge

Oral and written communication

MS Office proficiency

Pilot/controller phraseology

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Minimum Clearance Required

None

Job ID

2616333

Location

Aurora, IL, US

Date Posted

2026-08-31

Category

Information Technology

Subcategory

Computer Operator

Schedule

Part-Time

Shift

Rotating

Travel

No

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 Part-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Chicago ARTCC (ZAU) in Aurora, IL, 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.