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Drone Data Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Collect and process aerial data and system logs according to test and operational requirements ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. apply for ...

TSMG

Drone Pilot

San Francisco, CA

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Wing

Data Scientist Manager, Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$228K - $242K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or ...

Avala AI, Inc

3D Computer Vision Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

... drone enterprises-with the data infrastructure needed to accelerate the next generation of ... Experience with real-time graphics, sensor fusion, signal processing, computational photography, or ...

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Drone Data Processing information

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$12

$20

$34

How much do drone data processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone data processing in California is $20.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone data processing?

To thrive in Drone Data Processing, expertise in geospatial analysis, image processing, and proficiency in data management are crucial, often supported by a background in GIS, remote sensing, or a related field. Familiarity with software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, Agisoft Metashape, as well as certifications in drone piloting or GIS are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help professionals excel in collaborating with field teams and translating data into actionable insights. These skills are vital to ensure accurate, efficient data interpretation that supports business, construction, or environmental decision-making.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for a drone data processing specialist?

A Drone Data Processing specialist typically spends their day uploading and organizing raw drone-captured imagery, processing datasets to create accurate maps, models, or reports, and conducting quality assurance checks to ensure data integrity. The role often involves collaborating with drone pilots, project managers, and technical teams to clarify project objectives and deliverables. Specialists may also troubleshoot software or data issues, document workflows, and present findings to clients or stakeholders. This dynamic work environment requires both technical acumen and communication skills to convert aerial data into valuable, actionable insights.

What is a drone data processing?

A Drone Data Processing job involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data captured by drones for various applications such as mapping, agriculture, construction, and inspections. Professionals in this field use specialized software to process aerial images, generate 3D models, and extract insights from the data. The role requires expertise in GIS, photogrammetry, and data management to ensure accurate and actionable results.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Data Processing jobs in California? For Drone Data Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Data Processing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Data Processing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drone Data Processing jobs? Cities in California with the most Drone Data Processing job openings:
Drone Data Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Data Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,601 per year, or $20 per hour.

Drone Pilot for AI Training and Data Collection

TSMG

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Drone Pilot to assist in the development and training of AI models, specifically in the areas of computer vision, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation. The ideal candidate will be responsible for collecting high-quality data in real-world environments, contributing to the optimization of AI algorithms that power autonomous systems.

As a Drone Pilot for AI & Autonomous Systems Training, you will operate advanced drones to capture data essential for training and validating AI models that power autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making systems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Pilot drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and other sensors to collect diverse datasets used for training AI algorithms, particularly for autonomous navigation, computer vision, and sensor fusion.
  • Capture data in various real-world conditions (e.g., urban, rural, industrial, challenging weather conditions) to expose AI systems to a wide range of environments and scenarios.
  • Execute complex drone missions with precise data collection objectives, such as aerial mapping, 3D reconstruction, obstacle detection, and object tracking.
  • Collaborate closely with AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and autonomous systems teams to ensure data collection aligns with the specific requirements of AI model training.
  • Perform post-flight data quality checks and initial preprocessing to ensure the datasets are ready for use in training AI models.
  • Operate drones in both manual and autonomous modes, supporting AI-driven flight operations where drones rely on onboard algorithms for navigation and decision-making.
  • Adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local aviation regulations governing drone operations, ensuring the safe and compliant conduct of all drone missions.
  • Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of drones and onboard sensors to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Qualifications:
  • Commercial drone pilot certification (FAA Part 107 or equivalent), with additional certifications in safety or advanced drone technologies considered a plus.
  • Proven track record as a drone pilot, with significant experience in collecting data for industrial, research, or AI-focused applications.
  • Expertise in flying drones equipped with advanced sensors such as LiDAR, thermal cameras, RGB cameras, and multispectral sensors.
  • Familiarity with the nuances of autonomous flight, sensor integration, and machine learning workflows, especially those that involve real-time data processing.
  • Strong understanding of how drone-collected data is used for AI training, including its role in training AI for perception, navigation, and decision-making.
  • Experience in using software for flight planning, such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or similar platforms, and geospatial data analysis tools.
  • Familiarity with machine learning concepts, especially those related to computer vision (e.g., image segmentation, object detection, and tracking) and autonomous navigation systems.
  • Basic understanding of geospatial data processing, photogrammetry, and 3D reconstruction techniques for AI applications.
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to ensuring the highest quality of data collection and analysis.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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