Drone Visual Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Team
DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics in the long term. If you have a passion for applying autonomous aviation technologies in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you!
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled FPV Pilot with advanced acro mode flight experience for visual line-of-sight operations (no goggles). This role focuses on hands-on drone testing and evaluation to support the development of next-generation UAS technologies. You'll work closely with systems and flight engineers to provide actionable flight data and feedback that drive design improvements and system reliability.
This position is fully on-site at our Bay Point, California test facility. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You're excited about this opportunity because you will

• Operate small and mid-size multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms in acro mode within visual line of sight (VLOS) environments.
• Conduct test flights, calibration routines, and performance evaluations under engineering supervision.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers to provide high-quality, data-driven feedback on flight performance, controls tuning, and system reliability.
• Maintain detailed logs of flight hours, aircraft condition, and observed anomalies.
• Support safety and compliance processes in accordance with FAA Part 107 and internal operating procedures.
• Participate in system validation efforts involving PX4, ArduPilot, Auterion, and Herelink control systems.
• Contribute to iterative design reviews, prototype evaluations, and test readiness reviews.

We're excited about you because you have

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required; will be verified).
• 100+ hours of logged FPV flight time.
• 1+ year of consistent acro mode flight experience under visual line of sight (no goggles).
• Demonstrated experience with multi-rotor UAS operations (required).
• Proven FPV flying background and ability to demonstrate control precision in manual (acro) mode.
• Working knowledge of FAA small UAS regulations and operational best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate flight behavior into engineering insights.
• Strong situational awareness and adherence to test-site safety standards.
• Valid U.S. drivers license required and a successful completion of MVR required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fixed-wing RC aircraft operations (huge plus).
• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, Auterion, and Herelink.
• Technical background in UAS systems, aerodynamics, or flight controls integration.
• Ability to record and share video footage of recent acro line-of-sight FPV flights for evaluation.
• Previous work in structured flight test environments or R&D programs.

Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We use Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provide Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023, and resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: Covey
Compensation
Actual compensation within the pay range listed below will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. Base salary is localized according to employee work location.
DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, which includes a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, wellness benefits, commuter benefits match, paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act). DoorDash also offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, 11 paid holidays, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, and a mental health program, among others.
To learn more about our benefits, visit our careers page here.
See below for paid time off details:

• For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
• For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).

The national base pay range for this position within the United States, including Illinois and Colorado.
$28.40-$41.80 USD
About DoorDash
At DoorDash, our mission to empower local economies shapes how our team members move quickly, learn, and reiterate in order to make impactful decisions that display empathy for our range of users-from Dashers to merchant partners to consumers. We are a technology and logistics company that started by enabling door-to-door delivery, and we are looking for team members who can help us go from a company that is known as the place you order food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods.
DoorDash is growing rapidly and changing constantly, which gives our team members the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, solve new challenges, and own their careers. We're committed to supporting employees' happiness, healthiness, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive benefits and perks including premium healthcare, wellness expense reimbursement, paid parental leave and more.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We're committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That's why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination and harassment based on "protected categories," we also strive to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at DoorDash. We value a diverse workforce - people who identify as women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, differently-abled, caretakers and parents, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Thank you to the Level Playing Field Institute for this statement of non-discrimination.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.
Notice to Applicants for Jobs Located in NYC or Remote Jobs Associated With Office in NYC Only
We used Covey as part of our hiring and/or promotional process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT in NYC. As part of the hiring and/or promotion process, we provided Covey with job requirements and candidate submitted applications. We began using Covey Scout for Inbound from August 21, 2023, through December 21, 2023. We resumed using Covey Scout for Inbound again on June 29, 2024, and ceased using Covey Scout for Inbound on April 30, 2026.
The Covey tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor. Results of the audit may be viewed here: https://getcovey.com/nyc-local-law-144.