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Drone Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers You will serve as a key operational test ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers You will serve as a key operational test ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner ... Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers You will serve as a key operational test ...

Mirafra Technology

Test Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

San Diego, CA SW engineer needed to develop test automation for Linux Drone platform using Qualcomm's MSM chipset platform. Candidate will also be involved with drone technology work including flying ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... About the role As a Quality Engineer at Westmag, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... About the role As a Quality Engineer at Westmag, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality ...

Western Magnetics

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... About the role As a Quality Engineer at Westmag, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality ...

Westmag

Hardware Test Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105 - $145/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... About the role As a Hardware Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring ...

New

Wing

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$328K - $349K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join our Ground Systems team. This role ...

WING PVT LTD

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$328K - $349K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join our Ground Systems team. This role ...

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All JobsDrone Developer JobsDrone Developer Jobs in California

Drone Developer information

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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.

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.

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 various industries with competitive salaries. As drone technology advances, demand for skilled developers is expected to increase.

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 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 70% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

LMI

Fort Bragg, CA • On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview
LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner on site at Fort Bragg, NC.
This role operates at the intersection of tactical UAS operations, autonomy testing, and rapid capability development. The selected candidate will serve as a key operational asset responsible for executing flight operations, supporting testing, and providing real-world feedback to engineers and developers.
This position directly contributes to accelerating the fielding of autonomous and semi-autonomous unmanned systems across the Department of War.
This is not a conventional UAS pilot role. The selected candidate will operate at the intersection of:
  • Tactical FPV flight execution
  • Autonomy testing and human-machine teaming
  • Rapid capability iteration with engineers and developers

You will serve as a key operational test asset, providing real-world feedback that directly informs system performance and future capability development.
LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.
Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.
This position is in-person in North Carolina and requires an active Secret clearance.
Responsibilities
Operational Execution
  • Conduct advanced FPV and Group 1-2 UAS flight operations in dynamic and contested environments
  • Execute test scenarios, mission profiles, and evaluation events in support of autonomy development
  • Operate across manual, assisted, and autonomous control modes
  • Maintain safe multi-vehicle operations in complex airspace and RF environments

Test & Evaluation Support
  • Plan and execute flight test events (pre-flight, execution, post-flight analysis)
  • Capture operational data and contribute to formal test reporting
  • Support rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles

Technical Integration
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and repair FPV and UAS systems
  • Integrate payloads, communications systems, and mission-specific components
  • Optimize system performance for operational use

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work directly with engineers, developers, and government stakeholders
  • Translate operator feedback into actionable technical insights
  • Support capability development and system refinement efforts

Qualifications
  • Active Secret Clearance required
  • 5+ years of operational UAS/FPV experience in military, government, or defense industry environments
  • Advanced FPV flight proficiency (Acro Mode, precision maneuvering)
  • Experience conducting operations in dynamic or contested environments
  • Strong understanding of aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and UAS risk management
  • Experience with UAS system integration, testing, or evaluation
  • Ability to operate in high-tempo, ambiguous environments
  • Ability to operate outdoors in austere environments for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50lbs
  • Willingness to travel (0-25%)

Desired Qualifications
  • SOF or tactical military experience with UAS integration
  • Instructor or evaluator experience in UAS operations
  • Experience with FPV system builds, soldering, and fabrication
  • Familiarity with Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot, and RF systems (Crossfire, ELRS)
  • Experience operating in GPS-denied or EW-contested environments
  • Knowledge of DoD Test & Evaluation processes
  • TS/SCI clearance

Target salary range: $103,784 - $179,659
Disclaimer: The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances.
Job Locations
US-NC-Fort Bragg

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