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Drone Pilot In Command Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Research Test Pilot

Concord, CA

$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

Joby Aviation

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

Joby Aviation

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

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

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 ...

LMI

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA · On-site

$103K - $179K/yr

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

Drone Pilot - Clearance Required

Fort Bragg, CA

$103K - $179K/yr

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 ...

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA

$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 ...

Orange County Fire Authority

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 ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

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 ...

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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 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 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 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 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:

Drone Pilot In Command jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot In Command job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Operational Test Pilot - Advanced Development

Concord, CA • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$139K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Joby Advanced Development designs, develops, and flight-tests novel aircraft using a software-first autonomy approach. We build and deploy autonomy, perception, planning, and radar systems across conventional, electric, and hydrogen-electric aircraft in both CTOL and VTOL configurations.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking an Operational Test Pilot to support operational evaluations of the J208 aircraft (a Cessna Caravan integrated with Superpilot autonomy technology). Reporting to the Operational Evaluation Deployment Lead, this role serves as the onboard pilot-in-command, overseeing advanced automation to ensure safe aircraft operations in complex, dynamic flight environments, and operating the Ground Control Station (GCS) during uncrewed flight operations. Additionally, you will represent the product and program to current and prospective customers while partnering directly with developmental engineering to flow field lessons learned and technical updates back into future product iterations.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the onboard pilot-in-command for J208 operational evaluation flights, monitoring Superpilot autonomy systems and executing real-time operational decisions to ensure safe mission execution
  • Operate and monitor the Ground Control Station (GCS) when the J208 aircraft operates in uncrewed configurations
  • Represent the J208 product and flight evaluation program during live operational demonstrations with prospective and current military or civil customers
  • Collaborate closely with developmental engineering teams to capture, analyze, and flow back operational lessons learned to inform continuous flight software and hardware updates
  • Execute pre-flight planning, mission risk assessments, and post-flight debriefs in accordance with military airfield rules, FAA regulations, and internal safety protocols
  • Support deployed field support workflows, flight line logistics, and site setup activities while traveling up to 50% CONUS/OCONUS
Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or aviation-related discipline with 5+ years of relevant flight operations experience, Master’s degree with 3+ years, or equivalent practical experience
  • ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating
  • Demonstrated experience acting as Pilot in Command in fixed-wing flight operations, test environments, or operational evaluations
  • Ability to hold and maintain a FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Active US Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance post-hire
  • Willingness and ability to travel roughly 50% domestically (CONUS) and internationally (OCONUS)

This position must meet US export control compliance requirements, therefore a candidate must qualify as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. “US Person” includes US Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees.

Desired
  • Prior experience with Cessna 208 Caravan operations or turboprop flight operations.
  • Experience operating Ground Control Stations (GCS) or supervising automated/autonomous flight control platforms.
  • Prior experience conducting flight operations on US military installations or in customer-facing environments.
  • Experience with military aviation
  • Experience as an operational test pilot

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,700 - $170,000/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

  • paid time off
  • healthcare benefits
  • a 401(k) plan with a company match
  • an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
  • short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • life insurance
  • and more
Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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