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Drone Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Flight Test Operator

Pittsburg, CA

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 ...

Kelly Services

Flight Test Operator

Bay Point, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Wing

Learning & Development Lead

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Learning & Development Lead to join our People team. We are seeking someone ...

Aero Systems West Inc

Be Seen First

Digital Marketing and Web Development Lead

San Martin, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Digital Marketing and Web Development Lead will take charge of all digital and web marketing ... ASW is a proud distributor of the Parasafe industrial drone parachute safety system, supporting ...

Aero Systems West Inc

Be Seen First

Digital Marketing and Web Development Lead

San Martin, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Digital Marketing and Web Development Lead will take charge of all digital and web marketing ... ASW is a proud distributor of the Parasafe industrial drone parachute safety system, supporting ...

Robotex

Business Development Analyst

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Are you a rockstar analyst tired of being a corporate drone?Are you looking to make a real impacton ... business development team, including market research andvarious special projects - Research ...

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 ... Support rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles Technical Integration * Configure ...

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All JobsDrone Development JobsDrone Development Jobs in California

Drone Development information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$55K

$90.8K

How much do drone development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone development in California is $55,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $60,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drone development?

Drone development refers to the design, creation, and programming of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. This field encompasses both hardware engineering, such as building drone frames and integrating sensors, and software development, including flight control systems and autonomous navigation algorithms. Drone developers work in various industries, including agriculture, delivery services, photography, and defense, to create innovative solutions tailored to specific applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Drone Development, you need expertise in robotics, aeronautical engineering, and programming, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, embedded systems, and flight control platforms like PX4 or ArduPilot is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Part 107 (for commercial drone operations) in some regions. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and successful project completion. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, building, and optimizing advanced drone systems that meet industry standards and client needs.

What are some common challenges faced when working in drone development, and how do teams typically address them?

Professionals in drone development often encounter challenges such as integrating complex hardware and software systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining safety standards. Teams typically address these by adopting agile development practices, holding frequent cross-disciplinary meetings, and staying up to date with the latest regulations. Collaboration between engineers, software developers, and compliance specialists is essential to ensure all aspects of the drone—such as flight stability, data security, and legal requirements—are addressed throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Drone Development vs Drone Software Engineering?

AspectDrone DevelopmentDrone Software Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and testing drone hardware and systemsDeveloping, testing, and maintaining software for drones
Required SkillsElectronics, mechanical design, embedded systemsProgramming, algorithms, software architecture
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, prototyping facilitiesSoftware development environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsElectronics certifications, UAV licensesSoftware development certifications, coding bootcamps

Drone Development involves creating the physical hardware and systems of drones, focusing on design and testing. Drone Software Engineering centers on developing the software that runs on drones, including programming and system integration. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and certifications, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the drone industry.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Development jobs in California? For Drone Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drone Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Drone Development job openings:
Drone Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,042 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Flight Test Operator

Kelly Services

Pittsburg, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

UAS Flight Test Operator (I & II), LabsLocation: Bay Point, CA for first 2-3 months then Petaluma, CA
Contract – 6+ months (possibility for Direct hire based on performance/experience)
Openings: 10
Benefits: Eligible
Onsite Meal reimbursement up to $25/day
 About the TeamDoorDash 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 and will be in Petaluma in the coming months.. 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.
  • Support daily test readiness by managing batteries, preparing equipment, and spearheading on-site logistics.
 We’re excited about you because… 
  • You’re Certified: You hold a Part 107 certification and have logged over 50+ flight hours in varied environments.
  • 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. (Preferred not required)
  • 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.
 
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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