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Drone Visual Observer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

... Visual Observer in flight tests. The ideal candidate has a strong FPV drone background, is comfortable building a variety of drone sizes, has excellent organizational skills, and a genuine passion ...

Neros Technologies

FPV Technician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

... Visual Observer in flight tests. The ideal candidate has a strong FPV drone background, is comfortable building a variety of drone sizes, has excellent organizational skills, and a genuine passion ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA

$55K - $74K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Francisco, CA

$60K - $81K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

TSMG

UAS Operations Support Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

May perform airspace monitoring and visual observation duties as required by the operating model Requirements * Experience in drone operations, aviation, logistics, field operations, or technical ...

Zipline

Industrial Designer

San Francisco, CA

$152K/yr

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... Research customer and operator needs through observation, interviews, prototyping, and testing ...

All JobsDrone Visual Observer JobsDrone Visual Observer Jobs in California

Drone Visual Observer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone visual observer?

To thrive as a Drone Visual Observer, you need a solid understanding of FAA regulations, strong situational awareness, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drone operations, radio communication systems, and sometimes completion of the FAA Part 107 certification are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods are crucial soft skills. These abilities are important to ensure safe drone operations by effectively identifying hazards and maintaining compliance with aviation regulations.

How does a drone visual observer typically collaborate with the drone pilot during operations?

A Drone Visual Observer works closely with the drone pilot to ensure safe and compliant flight operations. The observer maintains continuous visual line-of-sight with the drone, monitoring for obstacles, air traffic, and any hazards that could affect the mission. Regular, clear communication between the observer and the pilot is essential, as the observer relays real-time information and alerts the pilot to any safety concerns. This teamwork is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety of people and property in the vicinity.

What is the difference between Drone Visual Observer vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone Visual ObserverDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Certification often requiredFAA Part 107 Certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists drone pilots in various outdoor settingsOperates and controls drones directly
Job RoleSupports safety and situational awarenessManages drone flight operations

The Drone Visual Observer and Drone Pilot roles often overlap in certifications and work environments, but the Visual Observer primarily supports safety and monitoring, while the Pilot controls the drone directly. Both roles are essential in drone operations, especially in industries like construction, surveying, and film production.

What is a drone visual observer?

Drone Visual Observers are individuals who assist drone pilots by maintaining visual contact with the drone during flight operations. Their primary responsibility is to monitor the drone for potential hazards, ensure it remains within legal line-of-sight requirements, and communicate any safety concerns to the pilot in real time. Visual Observers play a critical role in safe drone operations, especially during complex or beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions. They help prevent collisions and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Drone Visual Observer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drone Visual Observer job openings:

Drone Visual Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Visual Observer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Visual Observer - Flight Test Operations Esparto

Zipline

Esparto, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world's largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world's largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people's lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

The Flight Test Operations team at Zipline is growing, and we're looking for individuals with sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and exceptionally high standards. Success requires a process-minded approach on every flight, safety-oriented attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm for using cutting-edge technology to deliver goods and lifesaving medical supplies on 3 continents around the world (so far), 7 days a week.

You will monitor assigned airspace and conditions around UAS flights, communicate hazards clearly to the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC), and speak up when a flight condition requires attention, a pause, or escalation. Your judgment directly supports safe, disciplined flight execution.

What You'll Do
  • Attend pre-operational briefings and complete required crew activities before assigned flights.
  • Monitor assigned airspace along flight routes before launch and throughout UAS testing, flight, and delivery phases.
  • Identify non-cooperative aircraft, hazardous weather, local fire events, and other conditions that could affect flight safety. Initiate escalation and immediate mitigations per crew procedures and stop operations when required.
  • Call out safety concerns, request a pause when conditions warrant, and escalate unresolved hazards through the flight crew.
  • Maintain reliable observation, communication, and procedural discipline during assigned flight operations.
  • Maintain operational readiness for day, night, and weekend shifts; participate in recurrent training, competency checks, and any required regulatory training.
What You'll Bring
  • Sound judgment, close attention to detail, and a process-minded approach to every flight.
  • Ability to follow flight procedures, retain situational awareness, and communicate observations accurately under operational conditions.
  • Ability to work independently in isolated conditions for extended periods while remaining attentive and communicative.
  • Availability for full-time shifts, including days, nights, and overnight shifts.
  • Clear interpersonal communication and the confidence to raise safety concerns directly.
  • Part 107 certification or prior drone, UAS, or aviation experience is preferred.
What Else You Need To Know
Please Note

The starting pay for this role is $22/ hour.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline 's Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.