Drone Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Team
DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics in the long term. If you have a passion for applying autonomous aviation technologies in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you!
About the Role
In this role as a UAS Flight Test Operator I/II, you'll be part of a hands-on field testing team supporting flight validation of new drone platforms. You'll work closely with engineering and flight leads to execute test flights safely, efficiently, and with precision-helping shape the future of autonomous aerial systems. You will be reporting to the Flight Test Lead.

• Execute structured drone test flights in both manual and autonomous modes, adjusting flight parameters in real time based on evolving test plans and feedback.
• Support daily test readiness by performing pre- and post-flight checks, managing batteries, preparing equipment, and assisting with on-site logistics.
• Operate in field environments with extended periods of standing, repetitive drone handling, and outdoor exposure to varying weather (heat, dust, cold, wind, etc.).
• Stay flexible and responsive to shifting schedules, including early mornings, late afternoons, and variable hours based on test conditions. Open to about 20% travel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to surface observations, flag anomalies, and support iterative improvement cycles during testing.

Please note: This is an onsite role based in Bay Point, CA. Only candidates who are local or within commuting distance will be considered.
You're excited about this opportunity because you will...

• Operate and test drones as part of cutting-edge autonomous delivery development.
• Support flight testing, data collection, and troubleshooting for new drone systems.
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams to provide feedback and improve drone performance.
• Gain hands-on experience in emerging technology, working with a team in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
• Contribute to building the future of drone delivery through curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive mindset.

We're excited about you because...

• You're Certified: You hold a Part 107 certification and have logged over 100+ flight hours in varied environments and have experience flying FPV/Acro Mode.
• FAA certification is a "required qualification": We collect FAA certification details solely to confirm eligibility for this position
• You Know the Airspace: You understand FAA regulations, operational risk, and best practices for safe and compliant drone flight.
• You're Tech-Savvy and Curious: You're excited about testing new drone technology and enjoy solving technical problems in real-time.
• You Think Critically: You bring analytical thinking and attention to detail to identify issues, document results, and iterate on improvements.
• You know Firmware: You've worked with PX4, ArduPilot, Auterion, or Herelink-based systems.
• You've Been on the Frontlines: You've contributed to drone development, aerospace, or robotic testing programs.
• You Collaborate Well: You work effectively with cross-functional teams-especially engineers, operators, and leadership to drive progress.
• You have hands on skills: You have the ability to fly different flight modes to help collect data and provide feedback on new drones.
• You Communicate Clearly: You share insights and updates with clarity and purpose, whether it's writing flight logs, surfacing blockers, or presenting findings.

Because this position requires an active FAA certificate, we'll need to verify your license through the FAA Airmen Inquiry system during the interview process. You will be required to provide your FAA certificate number so we can confirm your credentials. We use this information solely to verify eligibility for the role and handle it securely.
Why Join Us?
You'll be on the front lines of aerial innovation, directly contributing to the development and validation of new drone systems. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role where your field skills, judgment, and communication directly shape product safety, performance, and readiness. Expect meaningful work, fast iteration, and a chance to help define the future of drone logistics.
Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We use Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provide Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023, and resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: Covey
Compensation
Actual compensation within the pay range listed below will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. Base salary is localized according to employee work location.
DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, which includes a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, wellness benefits, commuter benefits match, paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act). DoorDash also offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, 11 paid holidays, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, and a mental health program, among others.
To learn more about our benefits, visit our careers page here.
See below for paid time off details:

• For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
• For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).

The national base pay range for this position within the United States, including Illinois and Colorado.
$28.40-$41.80 USD
About DoorDash
At DoorDash, our mission to empower local economies shapes how our team members move quickly, learn, and reiterate in order to make impactful decisions that display empathy for our range of users-from Dashers to merchant partners to consumers. We are a technology and logistics company that started by enabling door-to-door delivery, and we are looking for team members who can help us go from a company that is known as the place you order food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods.
DoorDash is growing rapidly and changing constantly, which gives our team members the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, solve new challenges, and own their careers. We're committed to supporting employees' happiness, healthiness, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive benefits and perks including premium healthcare, wellness expense reimbursement, paid parental leave and more.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We're committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That's why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination and harassment based on "protected categories," we also strive to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at DoorDash. We value a diverse workforce - people who identify as women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, differently-abled, caretakers and parents, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Thank you to the Level Playing Field Institute for this statement of non-discrimination.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.
Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We used Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provided Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023. We resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024, and ceased using Covey Scout for Inbound on April 30, 2026.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: https://getcovey.com/nyc-local-law-144.