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Drones Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RF Test Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$99K - $160K/yr

Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into ...

Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into ...

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Drones information

What is a drone operator?

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.

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 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.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career in drones, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight operations, and safety regulations. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license if operating commercially in the United States, and develop skills in remote piloting, maintenance, and data analysis. Gaining hands-on experience through training programs or internships can also improve job prospects.

What kind of jobs can you do with drones?

Jobs with drones include aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, or media production, as well as inspections of infrastructure like power lines, bridges, and wind turbines. Drone operators often need certification, technical skills, and knowledge of safety regulations to perform tasks in industries such as agriculture, construction, surveying, and emergency response.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Drones

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,610 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM:

Anduril's Drones team is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and efficient, high-volume production for our advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) like Bolt, Ghost, Anvil, and future autonomous platforms.
As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer in Drones, you will support products from the early design phase, develop/improve the manufacturing process and support production ramps for several products. The diverse responsibilities of this role will require you to leverage your technical expertise as well as leadership skills to set objectives, build cross-functional teams, and drive rapid project execution. You will play a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies on existing technologies while also developing new products and scaling to full scale production.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Manufacturing Engineers with deep product knowledge in mechanical, electrical, system integration, and end of line tests
  • Lead the transition of products from concept to prototype, pilot, and full production with speed, flexibility, scalability, and first-time quality
  • Provide daily sustaining support to ensure each product line performs as intended, including real-time problem-solving related to mechanical fitment issues, electrical and harnessing issues, as well as software and firmware issues
  • Work with cross functional team (design, quality, supply chain, etc.) during the development process to drive design for manufacturing best practices into the design effort, and help facilitate the transition from design to prototype to rate production
  • Own documentation required for successfully manufacturing product group hardware at scale, such as MBOM's, work instructions & requirements, etc.
  • Uphold and advise on quality management and business application programs as they pertain to manufacturing within your area
  • Facilitate make versus buy decisions, and coordinate with internal supply chain teams to manage vendors to ensure quality deliveries on time
  • Contribute to end-customer hardware mechanical or electrical design, including interconnects, board fabrication and inspection, etc.
  • Analyze metrics for continuous improvement initiatives (cost reduction, QI reduction & capacity increase)
  • Instill a culture of innovation, teamwork, and accountability within the manufacturing engineering product team

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree in a technical field such as engineering, math, or a hard science
  • 5+ years in manufacturing or similar prototyping position
  • Demonstrated in-kind or direct team leadership skills, with backing examples
  • An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication
  • A genuine interest in manufacturing and thirst for learning
  • Demonstrated ability to creatively deliver hardware in a resource-constrained environment
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies.
  • Harness & PCBA fabrication experience including prior work with or setup/modification/monitoring SMT processes.
  • Experience leading and managing teams on fast-paced, complex projects.
  • Hands-on experience with R/C and/or autonomous flight vehicles, flight controllers, or other related control systems.
  • Software scripting experience in any language.
  • Experience in NX/Teamcenter

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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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