FPV Test Pilot
$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 ...
FPV Test Pilot
$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 ...
Rapid Prototyping Engineer - Drones, Unmanned Systems
San Diego, CA · On-site
$125 - $150/hr
Drone Prototyping * Mechanical Design * Electromechanical Prototyping * Troubleshooting Hardware * CNC Machining * Additive Manufacturing * Fabrication Processes * Testing and Validation
New
Rapid Prototyping Engineer - Drones, Unmanned Systems
San Diego, CA · On-site
$125 - $150/hr
Drone Prototyping * Mechanical Design * Electromechanical Prototyping * Troubleshooting Hardware * CNC Machining * Additive Manufacturing * Fabrication Processes * Testing and Validation
New
Mission Operator - UAV
Paso Robles, CA · On-site
$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 ...
Mission Operator - UAV
Paso Robles, CA · On-site
$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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Firmware Test Engineer
Torrance, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
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 ...
Firmware Test Engineer
Torrance, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
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 ...
Operations Intern
$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 ...
Operations Intern
$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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Manufacturing Intern
$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 ...
Manufacturing Intern
$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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Embedded Software Engineer (Drone Stack)
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
... Software Engineer (Drone Stack Team) to architect and field advanced autonomy and vehicle ... supporting live testing in the field. Strong fundamentals in computer networking and code ...
Embedded Software Engineer (Drone Stack)
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
... Software Engineer (Drone Stack Team) to architect and field advanced autonomy and vehicle ... supporting live testing in the field. Strong fundamentals in computer networking and code ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Mechanical Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$100 - $125/hr
Position will also encompass the design, testing, and manufacture of drone attachments and physical modifications -- ranging from simple mounting brackets to complex multi-axis actuators -- as well ...
Mechanical Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$100 - $125/hr
Position will also encompass the design, testing, and manufacture of drone attachments and physical modifications -- ranging from simple mounting brackets to complex multi-axis actuators -- as well ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Conduct rigorous testing and debugging of on-drone software using simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) setups, and real-world flight testing. * Collaborate with backend and infrastructure teams ...
Conduct rigorous testing and debugging of on-drone software using simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) setups, and real-world flight testing. * Collaborate with backend and infrastructure teams ...
Engineering Intern
$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 ...
Engineering Intern
$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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Flight Test Engineer - Wireless
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$125 - $150/hr
We aim to deliver a proprietary wireless protocol that ensures a stable link for video, control, and logging data to the drone. This role will be responsible for testing and validating the RF system ...
Flight Test Engineer - Wireless
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$125 - $150/hr
We aim to deliver a proprietary wireless protocol that ensures a stable link for video, control, and logging data to the drone. This role will be responsible for testing and validating the RF system ...
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 ...
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 ...
Drone Testing information
See California salary details
$58.7K - $60.9K
7% of jobs
$60.9K - $63K
13% of jobs
$64.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$63K - $65.2K
11% of jobs
$65.2K - $67.3K
11% of jobs
The median wage is $69.2K / yr.
$67.3K - $69.5K
11% of jobs
$69.5K - $71.6K
13% of jobs
$71.6K - $73.8K
11% of jobs
$73.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$73.8K - $75.9K
7% of jobs
$75.9K - $78.1K
5% of jobs
$78.1K - $80.3K
7% of jobs
$80.3K - $82.4K
5% of jobs
$58.7K
$69.9K
$82.4K
How much do drone testing jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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:
$91K - $127K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 19 hours 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.