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Drone Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Diego, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

TSMG

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

We are building a talent network of experienced drone operations professionals for potential upcoming programs supporting advanced UAS operations and aerial logistics initiatives across the United ...

Scout AI

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

The Role We're hiring a UAV Mission Operator to lead the drone side of our Mission Operations team, Swarm Forge: our AI mission commander, directing a swarm of smaller drones to search, identify, and ...

Zipline

Assistant Site Lead, Nest Z

Esparto, CA · On-site

$103K - $145K/yr

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 ...

Booster

Senior Full-stack Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$170 - $240/hr

As a Senior Full Stack Software Engineer you will design and build the core cloud and geospatial systems that power autonomous drone operations at scale. Your work will enable customers to plan ...

TSMG

UAS Maintenance Technician

San Francisco, CA

We are building a pipeline of maintenance professionals interested in supporting advanced drone operations and autonomous aviation programs. Responsibilities * Perform inspections, preventive ...

TSMG

UAS Maintenance Technician

San Diego, CA

We are building a pipeline of maintenance professionals interested in supporting advanced drone operations and autonomous aviation programs. Responsibilities * Perform inspections, preventive ...

Monolyth Technologies

Drone Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

We design and build compact aerial systems used for reconnaissance and tactical operations. We are looking for a hands-on Drone Technician who wants real responsibility, fast learning, and the ...

Zipline

Assistant Site Lead, Nest Z

Esparto, CA · On-site

$103K - $145K/yr

Experience leading teams in aviation, aerospace, robotics, drone operations, military operations, or similarly complex operational environments. * Experience managing operational execution in fast ...

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in California

Drone Operations information

See California salary details

$11

$25

$51

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in California is $25.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are drone operations?

Drone operations refer to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, mapping, delivery, and surveillance. These operations involve planning flight paths, piloting drones, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collecting or analyzing data captured by the drone. Drone operators may work in industries like agriculture, construction, real estate, public safety, and logistics, depending on the mission and type of drone used. Safety, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements are key aspects of successful drone operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone operations specialist?

To thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, you need strong piloting skills, a solid understanding of aviation regulations, and often a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and various drone platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you manage missions safely and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drone operations across a range of industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in drone operations, and how can they be addressed?

Drone operations professionals frequently encounter challenges such as changing weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and maintaining equipment reliability. Adapting flight plans to sudden weather shifts and staying updated on evolving FAA regulations are essential for safe and legal operation. Additionally, effective pre- and post-flight maintenance routines help minimize technical issues. Collaborating closely with team members, such as airspace coordinators and data analysts, ensures that missions are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Drone Operations vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDrone OperationsDrone Pilots
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, safety trainingFAA Part 107 certification, flight training
Work EnvironmentTeam coordination, planning, and managementFlying drones, on-site or remote
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, agriculture, construction, inspectionFilming, surveying, inspection

Drone Operations involves managing drone missions, coordinating teams, and planning flights, often requiring additional project management skills. Drone Pilots focus primarily on flying drones and capturing footage or data. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Operations emphasizes coordination and planning, whereas Drone Pilots concentrate on piloting skills and flight execution.

Are drone operations in high demand?

Drone operations professionals are experiencing increasing demand across industries such as agriculture, construction, and film production due to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. Skills in piloting, maintenance, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects as the industry expands.

How do you become a drone operations?

To become a drone operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the relevant aviation authority, which involves passing a knowledge test. Additionally, gaining experience with drone flight, understanding safety regulations, and mastering drone controls and maintenance are important steps in the process.

Is a drone operations a good career?

Drone operations is a growing field that involves piloting and managing unmanned aerial vehicles for various industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety regulations, making it a viable career option with increasing demand. Job prospects depend on industry growth and regional regulations.

What do drone operations get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $35,000 to over $70,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with certifications and specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. Pay may also vary based on whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drone Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in California?

For Drone Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Operations job openings:

Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,508 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Drone Pilot for AI Training and Data Collection

TSMG

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate drones equipped with various sensors to collect datasets for AI training and validation.

  • Execute drone missions in different environments and conditions to gather diverse data for autonomous systems.

  • Perform post-flight data quality checks and initial preprocessing to prepare datasets for AI model development.

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Drone Pilot to assist in the development and training of AI models, specifically in the areas of computer vision, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation. The ideal candidate will be responsible for collecting high-quality data in real-world environments, contributing to the optimization of AI algorithms that power autonomous systems.

As a Drone Pilot for AI & Autonomous Systems Training, you will operate advanced drones to capture data essential for training and validating AI models that power autonomous navigation, object detection, and decision-making systems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Pilot drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and other sensors to collect diverse datasets used for training AI algorithms, particularly for autonomous navigation, computer vision, and sensor fusion.
  • Capture data in various real-world conditions (e.g., urban, rural, industrial, challenging weather conditions) to expose AI systems to a wide range of environments and scenarios.
  • Execute complex drone missions with precise data collection objectives, such as aerial mapping, 3D reconstruction, obstacle detection, and object tracking.
  • Collaborate closely with AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and autonomous systems teams to ensure data collection aligns with the specific requirements of AI model training.
  • Perform post-flight data quality checks and initial preprocessing to ensure the datasets are ready for use in training AI models.
  • Operate drones in both manual and autonomous modes, supporting AI-driven flight operations where drones rely on onboard algorithms for navigation and decision-making.
  • Adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local aviation regulations governing drone operations, ensuring the safe and compliant conduct of all drone missions.
  • Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of drones and onboard sensors to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Qualifications:
  • Commercial drone pilot certification (FAA Part 107 or equivalent), with additional certifications in safety or advanced drone technologies considered a plus.
  • Proven track record as a drone pilot, with significant experience in collecting data for industrial, research, or AI-focused applications.
  • Expertise in flying drones equipped with advanced sensors such as LiDAR, thermal cameras, RGB cameras, and multispectral sensors.
  • Familiarity with the nuances of autonomous flight, sensor integration, and machine learning workflows, especially those that involve real-time data processing.
  • Strong understanding of how drone-collected data is used for AI training, including its role in training AI for perception, navigation, and decision-making.
  • Experience in using software for flight planning, such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, or similar platforms, and geospatial data analysis tools.
  • Familiarity with machine learning concepts, especially those related to computer vision (e.g., image segmentation, object detection, and tracking) and autonomous navigation systems.
  • Basic understanding of geospatial data processing, photogrammetry, and 3D reconstruction techniques for AI applications.
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to ensuring the highest quality of data collection and analysis.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
We would be happy to get to know you and your skills better and see how we can support each other's growth.

Please apply and let's meet!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.