Drone Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Full-time Onsite | Start ASAP 

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year based on experience and qualifications

Monolyth Technologies is a fast-growing drone startup developing advanced unmanned systems for Special Operations Forces. 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 opportunity to build hardware that is actually used in the field.

This role is ideal for an early-career technician interested in drones, robotics, electronics, embedded systems, and defense technology.

What You'll Do

• Build, configure, test, repair, and troubleshoot FPV drone systems and related support equipment.
• Assemble drone airframes, propulsion systems, wiring, flight controllers, radios, payloads, and other mechanical and electrical components.
• Solder, crimp, fabricate, and repair cables, connectors, and electronic assemblies.
• Perform hardware debugging using multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other lab equipment.
• Complete pre-build, in-process, and final inspections; verify fasteners, connectors, routing, labeling, firmware configuration, and workmanship.
• Safely charge, discharge, inspect, store, cycle, and track lithium-based flight batteries.
• Use 3D printing and CAD tools to support rapid prototyping, fixtures, repairs, and hardware development.
• Support prototype builds, hardware integration, and low-volume manufacturing activities.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, bills of materials, assembly procedures, inspection records, and work instructions.
• Assist with testing, validation, demonstrations, and iteration of new drone platforms.
• Maintain serial-number traceability, repair history, configuration status, and inventory transactions.
• Help improve internal build, test, inventory, and engineering-change processes.
• Travel as needed to support testing, demonstrations, and field operations.

Technical Areas You'll Work In

• FPV drone integration, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radios, GPS, telemetry, and video systems
• Power distribution and battery systems for drones
• Electronic assembly, cable fabrication, and hardware debugging
• RF communication systems and antenna installation
• Rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and hardware iteration
• Prototype and low-volume manufacturing processes
• Configuration control, quality inspection, and assembly documentation

Tools & Technologies

• Soldering stations, crimpers, torque tools, hand tools, and electronic assembly equipment
• Multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and basic RF test equipment
• FPV flight controllers, ESCs, motors, radios, receivers, antennas, and video systems
• PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight, or similar flight-control platforms
• Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or other CAD tools
• 3D printers and rapid-prototyping tools
• Bills of materials, work instructions, inventory systems, and engineering-change documentation

Who We're Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, technical certificate, military technical training, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience building, configuring, repairing, testing, or troubleshooting drones, robotics, electronics, RC aircraft, vehicles, or other electromechanical systems.
• Hands-on soldering, wiring, connector, and electronic-assembly experience.
• Experience building, configuring, repairing, or flying FPV drones.
• Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
• Ability to read and follow drawings, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, work instructions, and inspection checklists.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and developing clear assembly or repair documentation.
• Hands-on builder mindset—comfortable assembling hardware, diagnosing problems, and iterating quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, disciplined documentation habits, and a commitment to safe, high-quality work.
• Interest in drones, robotics, RF systems, electronics, or defense technology.
• Self-motivated and able to work on-site in Torrey Pines, San Diego.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, work at a bench for extended periods, and perform occasional field work in varying conditions.
• Willing and able to travel as needed.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to the nature of the work.

Bonus Experience

• Personal or professional FPV drone, RC aircraft, robotics, or electronics projects
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• IPC/J-STD soldering training or certification
• Embedded firmware loading, configuration, or basic C/C++ experience
• RF systems, antenna installation, or radio troubleshooting
• PCB rework, hardware bring-up, or cable-harness fabrication
• Prototype or low-volume aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or electronics manufacturing
• Creating assembly procedures, bills of materials, inspection records, or technical work instructions

Why Join Monolyth

• Work directly on real systems used by Special Operations Forces
• Small team with high ownership and fast decision-making
• Exposure to hardware, firmware, and RF engineering
• Opportunity to gain experience building real-world drone systems