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Drone Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westmag

Sales & BD Lead

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships with drone OEMs, robotics companies, and other key market players. * Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and ...

Western Magnetics

Operations Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Gain practical experience in advanced manufacturing and product development environments.

Scout AI

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

Lead and schedule the drone operator team day to day * Partner with the Flight Test Engineer to drive product development on the air platform - shaping test priorities, splitting execution, and ...

Western Magnetics

Operations Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Gain practical experience in advanced manufacturing and product development environments.

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

This role plays a large part in advancing product reliability, streamlining flight test operations, and maintaining the performance of our drone fleet and equipment. Responsibilities R&D Equipment

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA

$70K - $91K/yr

This role plays a large part in advancing product reliability, streamlining flight test operations, and maintaining the performance of our drone fleet and equipment. Responsibilities R&D Equipment

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

... development, and business functions. Interns and co-op students will work closely with full time engineers, contributing to impactful projects that support Westmag's mission to innovate in drone ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

... development, and business functions. Interns and co-op students will work closely with full time engineers, contributing to impactful projects that support Westmag's mission to innovate in drone ...

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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 21, 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 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 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 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.

How to become a drone developer?

To become a drone developer, you should have a strong foundation in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, and knowledge of embedded systems and robotics. Gaining experience with drone hardware, flight control software, and simulation tools is essential, along with understanding aerodynamics and sensor integration. Earning relevant certifications or degrees in robotics, aerospace engineering, or computer science can also enhance your qualifications.

Is drone development a good career?

Drone development is a growing field that involves designing and building unmanned aerial systems, requiring skills in engineering, programming, and electronics. It offers opportunities in industries such as agriculture, defense, and delivery services, with demand for qualified professionals increasing as drone technology advances. Certification in relevant areas and knowledge of regulations can enhance career prospects.

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, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,042 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Sales & BD Lead

Westmag

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 10 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

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Lead to join our growing team at Westmag. The Sales Lead will be responsible for driving sales growth, developing and executing sales strategies, and leading the sales team to achieve revenue targets within the drone motors and robotic actuators market.

What you'll own
  • Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company sales goals and expand our customer base.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage the sales team to improve performance and achieve targets.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships with drone OEMs, robotics companies, and other key market players.
  • Collaborate closely with marketing, product development, and engineering teams to align sales strategies with product offerings.
  • Identify emerging markets and market shifts while being fully aware of new products and competition status.
  • Prepare sales forecasts, analyze sales data, and report on sales performance to senior management.
  • Represent Westmag at industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote our products and brand.
Required qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of sales experience, preferably in the drone, robotics, and/or component manufacturing sectors.
  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and leading successful sales teams.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong understanding of the drone motor market, robotics, or related technology industries.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to meet customers and attend industry events.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred qualifications
  • Experience working in startup or high-growth environments.
  • Familiarity with CRM software and sales analytics tools.
  • Established network within the drone or robotics industry.
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