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Drone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

CalPortland

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA

$105K - $135K/yr

Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies * Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for ...

Esri

Product Engineer II - Reality Mapping

Redlands, CA · On-site

... drone, aerial or satellite imagery * Excellent communication and problem-solving skills for collaborating with engineering, product, UX, and geospatial experts * Experience with UI or DevOps test ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Temp Position

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers ... FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday-Friday Duration: 3 ...

Exodigo

Field Operator - Temp Position

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers ... FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus Hourly Rate: $33 - 35/hr + OT Schedule: Monday-Friday Duration: 3 ...

DZYNE Technologies

Inventory Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

We are seeking a meticulous, hands-on Inventory Specialist to support our fast-paced drone manufacturing operations. This role is central to material flow through receiving, put-away, kitting for ...

DZYNE Technologies LLC.

Inventory Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

We are seeking a meticulous, hands-on Inventory Specialist to support our fast-paced drone manufacturing operations. This role is central to material flow through receiving, put-away, kitting for ...

DZYNE Technologies LLC.

Inventory Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

We are seeking a meticulous, hands-on Inventory Specialist to support our fast-paced drone manufacturing operations. This role is central to material flow through receiving, put-away, kitting for ...

DZYNE Technologies

Inventory Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

We are seeking a meticulous, hands-on Inventory Specialist to support our fast-paced drone manufacturing operations. This role is central to material flow through receiving, put-away, kitting for ...

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All JobsDrone Operations JobsDrone Operations Jobs in Riverside, CA

Drone Operations information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$27

$55

How much do drone operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone operations in Riverside, CA is $27.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 do drone operators earn?

Drone operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection can earn higher salaries, especially in commercial or industrial settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Operations Specialist, and why are they important?

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 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.

How do you get a job as a drone operator?

To become a drone operator, you typically need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or relevant authority, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Experience with drone flight, knowledge of safety protocols, and proficiency with drone equipment are also important for securing employment in this field.

How much do drone operators get paid?

Drone operators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Certified operators with specialized skills in aerial photography, surveying, or inspection may command higher wages.

Is drone operation a good career?

Drone operation is a growing field with opportunities in industries such as photography, surveying, and inspection. It requires skills in piloting, knowledge of regulations, and often certification, making it a viable career path for those interested in technology and aviation. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA? For Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Operations jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drone Operations jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drone Operations job openings:
Drone Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Operations job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Temporary, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,950 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Manufacturing Specialist, Drones

Manufacturing Specialist, Drones

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Our Manufacturing Team is dedicated to rapidly iterating and building cutting-edge drone hardware for operational and testing applications. Our responsibilities span the entire manufacturing value-chain-from design for manufacturability, tooling design and selection, process creation and optimization, to quality planning and comprehensive work documentation.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Manufacturing Specialist to join our rapidly growing team in Santa Ana, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for the assembly, repair, and testing of advanced drone systems while supporting new product introductions and process improvements. You will work closely with manufacturing and support engineers, draft and update technical documentation, and build fixtures to ensure the highest quality and reliability of our drone hardware. This will require expertise in mechanical troubleshooting, precision machining, blueprint reading, and hands-on maintenance and repair. If you are someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with strong communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement, then this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and support engineers on production processes and new product introductions
  • Execute repair and maintenance tasks for drones and assemble fixtures according to quality standards
  • Conduct rigorous testing and qualification validations while driving process improvements
  • Draft, write, and update procedures for drone manufacturing and repair
  • Design and build tooling and fixtures to support new testing requirements
  • Travel up to 20% for offsite test support and project requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Proven experience in high volume manufacturing and assembly within aerospace, military, or other high-reliability industries.
  • 5 years of strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills, with experience in maintaining and upgrading production processes.
  • Excellent blueprint reading, technical documentation, and test procedure development skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience with drone systems or related unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • Demonstrated capability to train new hires or lead small teams in a manufacturing environment.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing methodologies (5S, TPM) and process improvement strategies.
  • Experience in drafting and revising standard operating procedures for technical processes.
Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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