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Drone Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HavocAI

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

Monolyth Technologies

Drone Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Help improve internal build, test, inventory, and engineering-change processes. * Travel as needed to support testing, demonstrations, and field operations. Technical Areas You'll Work In * FPV drone ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams to support product development. * Ensure ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$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 ... Provide clear, structured feedback to engineers on system performance, failure modes, and edge ...

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Drone Developer information

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$52

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone developer?

A Drone Developer is a software and hardware engineer who designs, builds, and programs unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They work with drone flight control systems, navigation algorithms, communication protocols, and sensor integration. Their role often involves writing software for autonomous flight, obstacle detection, and mission planning. Drone Developers collaborate with robotics engineers, aerospace specialists, and AI experts to improve drone capabilities for industries like agriculture, defense, logistics, and surveying.

What are some typical challenges a drone developer faces on a daily basis?

Drone Developers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting issues with hardware-software integration, ensuring robust communication between onboard systems, and adapting to rapidly evolving regulations in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including hardware engineers, software developers, and test pilots—is a key part of the job, requiring both technical flexibility and strong communication. Additionally, working in a fast-paced environment where project requirements can shift quickly helps developers stay adaptable while delivering innovative solutions. Overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and can lead to exciting career growth within the drone technology sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone developer, and why are they important?

A Drone Developer needs a solid background in computer science or engineering, with strong programming skills (often in C++, Python, or ROS) and expertise in robotics and embedded systems. Familiarity with hardware prototyping tools, drone flight controllers, simulation platforms, and relevant certifications like the FAA Part 107 are typically valuable. Creative problem-solving, strong teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These capabilities are critical because drone technology requires integrating complex software and hardware within regulatory and safety constraints.

How do you become a drone developer?

To become a drone developer, you typically need a background in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering, along with programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Java. Experience with drone hardware, embedded systems, and software development tools like ROS or SDKs is also important, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.

Is drone developer a good career?

A drone developer designs and builds software and hardware for unmanned aerial vehicles, a growing field with applications in surveillance, delivery, and photography. The role often requires skills in programming, electronics, and robotics, and can offer opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and research sectors. Job prospects are strong as drone technology continues to expand across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Developer job openings:

Drone Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Drone Systems Engineering

DMR Technologies

Los Angeles, CA

$80K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Drone Systems Engineer

Location: Lafayette, LA
Position Type: Full-Time

About DMR Technologies

DMR Technologies designs and manufactures advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supporting agriculture, public safety, critical infrastructure, and defense. Our products combine mechanical engineering, electrical systems, embedded electronics, software, manufacturing, and autonomous technologies into complete drone platforms built in the United States. We’re seeking a Drone Systems Engineer who enjoys building products, solving technical challenges, and working across engineering disciplines to deliver reliable systems from concept through production.

Position Summary

The Drone Systems Engineer serves as the bridge between mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight operations teams. This role is responsible for integrating subsystems into complete aircraft, validating performance, solving technical issues, and continuously improving DMR's products throughout their lifecycle. This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy hands-on product development and are energized by seeing their work deployed in real-world environments.

Responsibilities

  • Integrate mechanical, electrical, software, and communications systems into complete drone platforms
  • Build, troubleshoot, and validate engineering prototypes
  • Plan and execute laboratory and flight testing
  • Analyze test data and recommend design improvements
  • Support payload integration, avionics, sensors, and communication systems
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation, Bills of Material, and assembly procedures
  • Collaborate with manufacturing to improve product quality and production efficiency
  • Support root cause investigations and corrective actions
  • Participate in customer demonstrations and field evaluations as needed
  • Mentor engineering interns and support junior technical staff
  • Evaluate emerging technologies that improve DMR products and engineering processes

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field
  • 3–6 years of engineering experience involving robotics, UAVs, aerospace, industrial automation, or electromechanical products
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
  • Comfortable working in both office and production environments

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience with several of the following:

  • SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
  • UAV flight controllers and avionics
  • Electrical integration and wiring
  • Sensor and payload integration
  • Battery and power systems
  • Manufacturing and Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Python, JavaScript, or scripting languages
  • Git and engineering documentation tools
  • AI-assisted engineering and development tools
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (preferred)

      What Success Looks Like

Successful Drone Systems Engineers think beyond individual components and understand how complete systems work together. They are comfortable reviewing CAD models, troubleshooting hardware, supporting manufacturing, participating in flight tests, and collaborating with software developers to solve integration challenges. They are builders, problem solvers, and continuous learners who enjoy seeing products move rapidly from concept to customer deployment.
   
   Why Join DMR?

At DMR, you'll have the opportunity to influence products from the earliest design stages through production and customer deployment. Rather than working on a single subsystem, you'll collaborate across engineering disciplines while helping develop the next generation of American-made unmanned aircraft systems.

Compensation: $80,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year


DMR Technologies brings the future of the American Drone Industry to the Bayou Country of Lafayette, LA.  Our team is growing rapidly & we would love to hear from you!  Find out more at dmrdrones.com

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