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Drone Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

This role will be primarily field testing and piloting FPV drones. The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and ...

Neros Technologies

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA

$91K - $127K/yr

This role will be primarily field testing and piloting FPV drones. The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and ...

Western Magnetics

Operations Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Role Description * Assist engineering teams in design, testing, and analysis of drone motors and robotic actuators. * Support operations with process improvements, inventory management, and supplier ...

Scout AI

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

You'll lead the drone operator team, own the flight test pipeline, and run the live customer demonstrations to ensure systems are prepared for both internal testing and external deployment. You'll ...

Western Magnetics

Operations Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Role Description * Assist engineering teams in design, testing, and analysis of drone motors and robotic actuators. * Support operations with process improvements, inventory management, and supplier ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

Work alongside the engineering team on the design, modeling, and testing of drone motors and robot actuators. * Support CAD work, design iterations, simulation, and analysis, and help evaluate ...

Western Magnetics

Engineering Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

Work alongside the engineering team on the design, modeling, and testing of drone motors and robot actuators. * Support CAD work, design iterations, simulation, and analysis, and help evaluate ...

Western Magnetics

Manufacturing Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

... drone motors and robotic actuators. * Assist with assembly, process documentation, and production-line setup and improvements. * Support quality and testing activities to ensure products meet ...

Western Magnetics

Manufacturing Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

... drone motors and robotic actuators. * Assist with assembly, process documentation, and production-line setup and improvements. * Support quality and testing activities to ensure products meet ...

Western Magnetics

Operations Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Role Description * Assist engineering teams in design, testing, and analysis of drone motors and robotic actuators. * Support operations with process improvements, inventory management, and supplier ...

Western Magnetics

Manufacturing Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

... drone motors and robotic actuators. * Assist with assembly, process documentation, and production-line setup and improvements. * Support quality and testing activities to ensure products meet ...

Neros Technologies

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA

$145K - $204K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain test suites to validate the Neros drone & ground control software * Test Framework Development: Build and enhance automated testing frameworks and tools that facilitate ...

Neros Technologies

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$145K - $204K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain test suites to validate the Neros drone & ground control software * Test Framework Development: Build and enhance automated testing frameworks and tools that facilitate ...

Westmag

Hardware Test Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105 - $145/hr

Experience with drone motor or robotic actuator testing. * Knowledge of motor control, thermal management, and reliability engineering. * Experience with test automation and software tools for test ...

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Drone Testing information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$69.9K

$82.4K

How much do drone testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone testing in California is $69,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drone testing do?

A typical day in Drone Testing involves preparing drones for evaluation, conducting flight tests, and meticulously recording performance data to assess functionality and safety. You’ll often work outdoors at specialized test sites and closely collaborate with engineers, software developers, and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues or recommend improvements. The role requires adaptability, as testing conditions and objectives may change based on project needs. You'll also be expected to interpret test results, write detailed reports, and participate in team meetings to discuss findings and plan next steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone testing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Drone Testing, a strong understanding of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, electronics, and aerodynamics is essential, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with flight control software, data analysis tools, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate assessment, safe operations, and contribute to both technical innovation and team collaboration in the development and refinement of drone technologies.

What is a drone testing?

A Drone Testing job involves evaluating drones for performance, safety, and reliability. Testers conduct flight tests, analyze data, and identify potential issues in hardware or software. They work with engineers to improve drone functionality and ensure compliance with regulations. This role requires knowledge of drone technology, troubleshooting skills, and sometimes certification depending on industry requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Testing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Testing job openings:

Drone Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,905 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

FPV Test Pilot

Neros Technologies

Torrance, CA • On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
What you will be doing
Neros is seeking a test pilot to run flight testing and qualification on Neros systems. This role will be primarily field testing and piloting FPV drones. The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and thoroughly report back to FPV Specialists and engineers.
  • Pilot drones in flight testing, gain deep familiarity with the system and aircraft performance
  • ~80% time field testing. Must have ability to travel several days in a week
  • Prepare, transport, and operate drone systems and supporting equipment
  • Document and collect data during tests
  • Perform high volume qualification on late-stage engineering products

You should have the following
  • 2 years minimum on acro drones
  • Expert at acro FPV and LOS flying
  • Ability to detect subtle performance issues in equipment
  • Technical knowledge of UAV components
  • Betaflight and ESC software
  • Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
  • Part 107

Nice to have
  • 5+ years experience in FPV
  • Blackbox analysis and PID tuning
  • Professional FPV piloting experience
  • CAD/drone design
  • Experience with cinelifters or large FPV platforms

US Salary Range
$91,000 - $127,500 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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