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Drone Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Scout AI

Drone Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

We're hiring a Drone Technician to add bandwidth to that build. You'll spend most of your time ... S. export controlled information or facilities * Passion about defense of the United States and its ...

Scout AI

Drone Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

We're hiring a Drone Technician to add bandwidth to that build. You'll spend most of your time ... S. export controlled information or facilities * Passion about defense of the United States and its ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

The Role Mach Industries is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Field Drone Technician to support ... controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... S. export controlled information or facilities * Passion about defense of the United States and its ...

Scout AI

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

Working knowledge of drone safety procedures, airspace coordination, and incident reporting * Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

Western Magnetics

Assembly Technician

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.50/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... On-site role on a climate-controlled production floor with moderate machinery noise. * Ability to ...

Western Magnetics

Assembly Technician

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.50/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... On-site role on a climate-controlled production floor with moderate machinery noise. * Ability to ...

Western Magnetics

Assembly Technician

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.50/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... On-site role on a climate-controlled production floor with moderate machinery noise. * Ability to ...

Neros Technologies

Mission Support Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$57K - $80K/yr

Strong knowledge of FPV drone systems, including flight controllers, ESCs, motors, firmware, radio control systems, video transmission, batteries, and ground control equipment * Hands-on experience ...

Neros Technologies

Mission Support Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$57K - $80K/yr

Strong knowledge of FPV drone systems, including flight controllers, ESCs, motors, firmware, radio control systems, video transmission, batteries, and ground control equipment * Hands-on experience ...

Wing

Senior Motor Architect

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$211K - $224K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... custom electronic speed controllers. * Evaluate, select materials and designs to improve ...

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All JobsDrone Controller JobsDrone Controller Jobs in California

Drone Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do drone controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone controller?

A Drone Controller operates and navigates drones for various applications, such as surveillance, mapping, deliveries, or inspections. They are responsible for ensuring safe flights, adhering to regulations, and troubleshooting technical issues. Depending on the industry, they may also analyze data collected by drones to support decision-making. Training, certification, and knowledge of aviation laws are often required.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drone controller?

As a Drone Controller, your daily tasks often include preparing and inspecting drones before flights, planning and executing flight missions, adhering to airspace regulations, and capturing or analyzing aerial data as required by the project. You may also be responsible for maintaining detailed flight logs, coordinating with team members or clients to meet mission objectives, and troubleshooting any technical issues during operations. Depending on the employer, you might work in sectors such as surveying, agriculture, cinematography, or emergency services, each with unique operational demands. Collaboration with field technicians, data analysts, or project managers is common to ensure the accuracy and safety of every mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone controller?

To thrive as a Drone Controller, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and experience with remote piloting, usually supported by a relevant license such as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Proficiency in drone flight software, GPS navigation systems, and real-time monitoring tools is essential. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to stay calm under pressure help distinguish top candidates. These skills ensure safe and efficient operations, compliance with regulations, and optimal collaboration with ground teams or clients.

Is drone flying a good career?

Drone controllers operate unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications such as photography, surveying, and inspection. The field offers opportunities in industries like agriculture, construction, and media, often requiring certifications and technical skills. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional regulations, with some roles offering flexible schedules and remote work options.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Controller jobs in California?

For Drone Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Controller jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Controller jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Controller jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Controller job openings:

Drone Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Drone Technician

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Scout AI
See more jobs at Scout AIexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work.

The Role

The Hardware Team at Scout bridges the gap between traditional machinery and cutting-edge autonomy. We take base vehicles with zero autonomous capability or actuation and turn them into fully functional, validated, production-ready, intelligent platforms. Owning the full hardware lifecycle from concept and prototyping through final product validation.

We're hiring a Drone Technician to add bandwidth to that build. You'll spend most of your time assembling drones, building harnesses, and on the integration of mechanical and/or electrical components. 

We are looking for a highly motivated team player who is detail oriented and ready to be a part of a rapidly growing team. 

Responsibilities

  • Assemble prototype drones and document process & procedures
  • Ability to read blueprints, schematics and instructions 
  • Build wiring harnesses for drones
  • Help with inventory maintenance and organization
  • Support the broader shop ad hoc
  • Maintain detailed records of assembly processes, test results, and any issues encountered
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures in the workplace

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in drone manufacturing 
  • Detail-oriented, with the precision that harness and drone assembly demand
  • Proficient with common hand tools and power tools
  • Able to read a wiring diagrams and follow assembly instructions
  • Nice to have: hobby drone-building experience; general shop skills (machining, basic electrical, fabrication) beyond drone assembly specifically
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
  • Passion about defense of the United States and its allies
  • May be expected to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Why Join Scout

  • Work on the world's most important frontier, ensuring U.S. and allied dominance in the age of intelligent machines
  • Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
  • Build alongside a hardware team taking vehicles from zero autonomy to fully validated, production-ready platforms
  • See your work deployed on real systems
  • Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary and bonus
  • Meaningful equity
  • Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
  • Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar
  • Unlimited AI tokens
  • Catered lunch daily and fully stocked kitchen
  • EV charging
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)


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