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Drones Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Safety Expert, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous driving ...

Safety Expert, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous driving ...

Safety Expert, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous driving ...

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Drones information

What are some common challenges drone operators face when working on commercial projects?

Drone operators working on commercial projects often encounter challenges such as obtaining proper flight permissions, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations. Additionally, operators must work closely with clients and team members to understand project requirements and deliver accurate data or imagery. Staying updated on evolving technology and troubleshooting equipment issues are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Drones vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDronesDrone Pilots
CredentialsNone required for operation; certifications optional for commercial useFAA Part 107 certification required
Work EnvironmentUsed in various industries like photography, agriculture, constructionOperate drones in specific projects or jobs, often outdoors
Employer & IndustryManufacturers, service providers, hobbyistsCompanies, government agencies, media outlets

While drones refer to the devices themselves, drone pilots are licensed professionals who operate these devices for various commercial and industrial purposes. Understanding the distinction helps in choosing the right career path or service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical proficiency in operating UAVs, and typically a drone pilot certification such as the FAA Part 107 (in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and camera or sensor equipment is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding drone operators apart. These competencies ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations across industries such as photography, surveying, and inspections.

What are drone operators and what do they do?

Drone operators are professionals trained to pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, surveying land, inspecting infrastructure, delivering goods, and even monitoring wildlife. Drone operators must understand how to safely maneuver the drone, comply with aviation regulations, and often analyze the data or images collected during flights. In commercial settings, they may also need certification or licenses, depending on the country and type of operation.
More about Drones jobs
What cities are hiring for Drones jobs? Cities with the most Drones job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drones jobs? The most popular types of Drones jobs are:
What states have the most Drones jobs? States with the most job openings for Drones jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drones job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Drones

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Drones

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$112K - $148K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM
The Tactical Recon & Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from concepts to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the team at our Costa Mesa HQ. Here you will work on core product development for drones and complex systems, including but not limited to optical gimbals, batteries, mechanisms, structures, sensors and payloads. The role requires high ownership and frequent collaboration with other core disciplines. The ideal candidate would be practical, hands-on and a self starter. High growth potential is possible as well as additional leadership opportunities.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own complex mechanical subsystems for Anduril's drone products from concept to full rate production
  • Gather requirements and work through trade studies to determine the best solution
  • Perform hand calculations and FEA to develop, assess, and optimize designs
  • Lead design reviews and obtain buy-in from other cross-disciplinary partners
  • Build prototypes, define and execute hardware test plans, iterate on designs, summarize results and lessons learned
  • Perform root cause investigations for hardware failures in development and production
  • Balance operational needs across vehicle subsystems while optimizing for development speed, mass, manufacturability, and cost
  • Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed
  • Travel to test sites and vendors as needed
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 8+ years of mechanical/design experience in a relevant capacity
  • Demonstrated ownership of a product from concept through production
  • Advanced CAD skills (any platform) and ability to make high quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanisms
  • Advanced proficiency in hands-on prototyping (machining, shop tools, welding, soldering)
  • Ability to summarize technical content in a cohesive way to help inform and shape future requirements
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent work experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in Solidworks or NX, and PLM systems
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T
  • Advanced designing skills for CNC machining, composites, sheet metal, injection molding, PCBA integration
  • Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Familiarity with running a qualification campaign for flight hardware
  • Familiarity with designing for rugged environments
  • Experience with electro-mechanical and electrical design concepts
  • Experience with Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Design Build Fly, etc.

What Anduril employees say

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Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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