ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ... Wing is looking for a Data Scientist Manager, Engineering to join our SimEval team. This role is ...

Wing

Mechatronics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$190K - $198K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Mechatronics Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team. This role is ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDrone Developer JobsDrone Developer Jobs in California

Drone Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$52

$80

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.

Hardware Test Engineer

Western Magnetics

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Westmag

Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, NFDG, Menlo Ventures, and other top investors. Westmag is committed to building and scaling in the U.S. to serve the global market. For more information, visit westmag.com.

About the role

As a Hardware Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test function, from designing test rigs to proposing design and process improvements based on test data. You will collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and customer teams to uphold product excellence and customer satisfaction.

What you'll own
  • Develop, maintain, and execute motor and actuator test processes.
  • Design and build test rigs for production and R&D hardware.
  • Analyze test data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and field applications to root cause reliability and performance issues.
  • Support new product qualification and certification activities.
  • Document test processes, develop testing SOPs, and hire and train test technicians.

Requirements

Required qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 3+ years of experience in test engineering, or a related function, preferably in motor, robotics, or aerospace industries.
  • Experience designing and building test equipment and implementing test programs.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive design and process improvements.
  • Proficient with test equipment (dynamometer, oscilloscope, power analyzer, etc.), data acquisition systems, and statistical analysis tools.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred qualifications
  • Experience with drone motor or robotic actuator testing.
  • Knowledge of motor control, thermal management, and reliability engineering.
  • Experience with test automation and software tools for test management.

Apply