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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $167K/yr

Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program * Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements

Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program * Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements

Act both as the airborne and remote pilot in command for various R&D aircraft platforms depending on the phase of the program * Uphold standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and ...

Overview LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War ... Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and ...

LMI is seeking a Drone Pilot /Autonomy Test Operator to support a Department of War mission partner ... Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions including but not limited to missions related to fire suppression, are responsible for the safe overall operation ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

Incumbents serve as Pilot in Command (PlC) during a full range of helicopter missions including but not limited to missions related to fire suppression, are responsible for the safe overall operation ...

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

This is not a Pilot-in-Command role. Test flights are flown by designated pilots. * Assist pilots ... Equipment accountability for the duration of the test; every drone, GCS, battery, and peripheral is ...

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

This is not a Pilot-in-Command role. Test flights are flown by designated pilots. * Assist pilots ... Equipment accountability for the duration of the test; every drone, GCS, battery, and peripheral is ...

Showing results 21-40

Drone Pilot In Command information

What is a drone pilot in command?

A Drone Pilot In Command (PIC) is the individual legally responsible for the operation and safety of a drone flight. This person oversees the entire mission, makes operational decisions, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations. The PIC must hold the appropriate certifications, such as the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S. They are also responsible for pre-flight planning, assessing risks, maintaining communication, and responding to emergencies. Ultimately, the Drone Pilot In Command ensures all aspects of the drone operation are conducted safely and legally.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot In Command vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Pilot In CommandDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateMay also hold Part 107 or other certifications, but less emphasis on command authority
Work EnvironmentResponsible for flight operations, safety, and compliance during drone missionsAssists with drone setup, data collection, and post-flight tasks
Employer & IndustryCommercial drone services, aerial photography, surveying, inspectionSupport roles within the same industries, often working under the Pilot In Command

The main difference is that the Drone Pilot In Command holds the legal responsibility for drone flights, including safety and compliance, while the Drone Operator typically assists with operational tasks. Both roles often work together, but the Pilot In Command has the final authority and accountability during flights.

What are the common challenges faced by a drone pilot in command when operating in diverse environments?

As a Drone Pilot In Command, you may frequently encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, complying with evolving airspace regulations, and coordinating with on-site teams in unfamiliar or complex locations. Each environment—urban, rural, or industrial—presents unique obstacles, like signal interference or restricted access. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and thorough pre-flight planning are essential to ensure safe and successful operations in any setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot in command?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot In Command, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and various drone platforms is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling unexpected situations and coordinating with teams. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and successful drone missions across diverse industries.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California?

For Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot In Command jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Pilot In Command jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Pilot In Command job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Public Notice for Airplane Pilot

Department of Transportation

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Direct hiring authority for the 2181 series is being used to fill this position. Public Notices serve as a resume repository, and positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Qualifications:

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on their responses within the application package and Supplemental Qualifications Statement, FAA Form 3330-47-3 ASIP (10/98).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Certificates and Ratings: All applicants must possess either a valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land AND instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating. *Selected candidates without an ATP certificate will be required to successfully complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.* In addition, all applicants must possess either a valid first or second-class medical certificate. *Selected candidates must obtain a first class medical certificate prior to appointment.*

TOTAL FLIGHT TIME - 1500 Hours

Flight time as a pilot in command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placement actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may be waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: 1) applicant holds the required certificates and ratings; 2) applicant has acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; 3) applicant meets the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and 4) applicant's flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME - 250 Hours

Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

NIGHT FLYING TIME - 75 Hours

For in-service placement actions, 25 hours may be waived if the applicant demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

FLYING TIME, LAST 12 MONTHS - 100 Hours

For in-service placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the applicant's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. NOTE: Flight time in an FAA approved level C or D full flight simulator is creditable towards meeting the recency of flight experience. If applicable, applicant must document time in the Airplane PIC or SIC blocks of the Total in Last 12 Months section of the FAA Form 3330-47-3.

MULTIENGINE AIRPLANE TIME - 500 Hours

Experience may have been in either light or heavy multi-engine airplanes.

INSTRUMENT TIME - 75 Hours

At least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

In order to verify your flight hours, applicants MUST provide FAA Form 3330-47-3. Click here to obtain a copy of the required form.

AND

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and either a valid First or Second Class Medical Certificate. Selected candidates must obtain a First Class Medical Certificate prior to appointment.

NOTE: To qualify at the FV-J (FG-14) level, applicants must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) AND possess an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) Credential.

AND

In addition to the basic requirements, there may be specialized experience requirements at the next lower level for the position(s) being filled. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Applicants should include specialized experience in their Work History. Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA.

Education:

KSA INFORMATION:

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); Quality Ranking Factor(s) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Employment Type: OTHER

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