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Drone Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is a unique hybrid role combining professional drone inspection operations with hands-on wind turbine field technician responsibilities. You'll work with cutting-edge robotics technology while ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

As a Drone Pilot, you should have a strong understanding of drone technology, excellent piloting ... Operate drones for aerial photography, videography, surveying, and inspections. * Conduct pre ...

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure operational readiness. * Conduct field ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... Conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot hardware and payload ...

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Solar Site Surveyor

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$1.2K/wk

Drone pilot license * Proficient in roof measurement and electrical systems inspection * Skilled in drone operation and photographic documentation * Strong customer service and communication skills

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Quality Engineer

South San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

About Westmag Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by ... Define and monitor quality metrics, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards for motors and ...

Assembly Technician

South San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $26.50/hr

About the role As an Assembly Technician at Westmag, you will be responsible for the precision assembly, testing, and quality inspection of the motors and actuators that power leading drone and ...

Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections of drone components, subsystems, and finished aircraft * Conduct dimensional, visual, and functional inspections using precision measurement ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drone Inspection information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do drone inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone inspection in California is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone inspection position?

To thrive in Drone Inspection, you need in-depth knowledge of UAV flight operations, strong observational skills, and a background in fields such as engineering, construction, or utilities. Familiarity with drone piloting certifications (such as FAA Part 107 in the US), flight planning software, and high-resolution imaging or thermal sensors is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for analyzing data and reporting findings to clients or team members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient inspections that meet regulatory and client standards.

What is a drone inspection?

A Drone Inspection job involves using drones equipped with cameras and sensors to assess structures, equipment, or land. Inspectors collect aerial data for industries like construction, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. This role helps identify issues such as damage, wear, or inefficiencies in hard-to-reach areas. Operators need skills in piloting drones, analyzing data, and following safety regulations.

How much do drone inspectors make?

Drone inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Many roles require certifications and knowledge of drone operation and safety regulations, which can influence salary levels.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drone inspection specialist?

As a Drone Inspection specialist, your daily tasks often include planning and executing drone flights, capturing high-quality images or sensor data, and reviewing that data for anomalies or issues related to the inspected structures or sites. You may also be responsible for maintaining the drone equipment, updating logs and flight documentation, and preparing detailed reports for stakeholders. Collaboration with engineers, safety officers, or project managers is common to ensure that inspection results meet project goals and regulatory requirements. The role can involve outdoor work in a variety of environments depending on the industry, from construction sites to energy infrastructure.

How to get into drone inspection?

To pursue a career in drone inspection, individuals typically need a drone pilot certification, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States, and relevant technical skills in operating drones and capturing data. Gaining experience through training programs or certifications in specific inspection areas like infrastructure or agriculture can improve job prospects. Familiarity with safety regulations and proficiency with inspection software are also important.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Inspection jobs in California? The most popular types of Drone Inspection jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Inspection jobs in California? For Drone Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Inspection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Inspection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drone Inspection jobs? Cities in California with the most Drone Inspection job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Inspection job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,701 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Drone Pilot (San Jose)

Aerones

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$60/day

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Location: United States | 100% Travel Required | Full-Time

AERONES is a global leader in advanced wind turbine maintenance and robotic technologies. We are seeking highly motivated Field Robotic Operators - Drone Pilots (UAS Pilots) to join our growing U.S. Operations Team.
This is a unique hybrid role combining professional drone inspection operations with hands-on wind turbine field technician responsibilities. Youโ€™ll work with cutting-edge robotics technology while traveling to wind farms across the country.
If you enjoy technology, travel, problem-solving, and hands-on fieldwork, this is an exciting opportunity to build a long-term career in the rapidly growing renewable energy industry.

What Youโ€™ll Do
In this role, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to travel to Wind Farms across the United States, with all Accommodation and Travel Expenses fully covered by the Company. This is a hybrid role combining professional Drone Inspection with hands-on Wind Turbine Field Technician responsibilities. The role requires both Drone Operations for inspection missions and on-site field work as part of Wind Turbine Operations, including physical work at height and in industrial environments.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Maintenance and operation of robotic systems used for cleaning, inspection, and repair of wind turbines.
  • Performing routine inspections on turbines to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
  • Operate and perform Drone inspections as needed
  • Preventative maintenance on wind turbines and associated systems to reduce downtime and maximize energy production.
  • Fault diagnosis and resolution of technical issues using advanced diagnostic tools and technology.
  • Reporting and documentation of work completed, including identifying issues, repairs, and maintenance performed.
  • Data Custody, Data Management, and Data Upload to Company servers.
  • Report successfully completed tasks, analyze applicable data and as required inform relevant departments of safety and quality risks.
  • Ensuring adherence to Safety Protocols and Industry Standards.
  • Previous experience working in physically demanding environments
  • Ability to safely perform hands-on field work in challenging industrial conditions
  • Valid Drive's License and a clean driving record
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Willing and able to undertake a Background Check, Drug Screen, and Physical Check (Medical)

Paid Training & Certifications:

Aerones provides paid training for:

  • OSHA 10
  • NFPA 70E
  • GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)
  • GWO Advanced Rescue Training (ART)
  • Confined Space Training
  • Self Rescue Line Training

All required training, certifications, and necessary equipment will be provided for qualified new hires.

Highly Desired:

  • DJI Mavic 3 or similar quadcopter experience
  • Prior Military Service
  • GWO Basic Technical Training (BTT)
  • GWO Sea Survival
  • GE / Vestas / Siemens Gamesa / Nordex Turbine Operations / LOTO

Physical Requirements:

  • Climb wind turbines vertically (up to 400+ Feet)
  • Work in confined spaces and at heights for extended periods
  • Lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs
  • Work outdoors in varying weather (heat, cold, wind, dust)
  • Physical fitness for field work and emergency rescue scenarios
  • Able to meet physical requirements and safely utilize required PPE within manufacturer guidelines

Safety-Sensitive Position Requirements:

This is a safety-sensitive position involving work at heights, operation of specialized equipment, independent field work, and emergency/self-rescue responsibilities.

Employees must be able to safely perform all essential job functions without impairment that could compromise safety, judgment, alertness, coordination, or operational performance.

Candidates must comply with all company, client, FAA, OSHA, and site-specific drug and alcohol policies, including pre-employment, random, and post-incident testing requirements.

The use of any substance, including prescribed medication, that may impair an employeeโ€™s ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position may disqualify an individual from performing this role or require further medical evaluation consistent with applicable law.

Eligible employees receive:

  • Medical Insurance (80% employer-paid)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Term Life Insurance
  • 10 Days Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 12 Paid Holidays

What We Offer:

  • Stable, long-term employment with career growth in a rapidly expanding, innovative Company
  • Fully paid Travel and Lodging for Projects Nationwide
  • $60 a day Per Diem for Meals & Incidentals
  • Work for a Global Team pioneering the future of wind turbine technology

Aerones is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, National Origin, Age, Disability, Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

AERONES - Build the Future!

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