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Entry Level Drone Base Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location ...

Space Kinetic

Flight Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location ...

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Entry Level Drone Base information

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$49.6K

$60K

How much do entry level drone base jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drone base in the United States is $49,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the entry level salary for a drone pilot?

The entry-level salary for a drone pilot typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour or approximately $30,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and certifications. Beginners often start with basic skills and may need to obtain a remote pilot certificate to qualify for higher-paying roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drone Base vs Entry Level Drone Pilot?

AspectEntry Level Drone BaseEntry Level Drone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification often required
Work EnvironmentBase operations, logistics, maintenanceFlying drones, data collection, inspections
Employer & IndustryLogistics, delivery, surveillance companiesSurveying, photography, inspection services

Entry Level Drone Base roles typically involve supporting drone operations, maintenance, and logistics at a central location, while Entry Level Drone Pilot positions focus on flying drones for data collection or inspections. Both roles often require FAA Part 107 certification and are common in industries like logistics, surveying, and inspection services. The main difference lies in the job focus: one is more operational support, the other more hands-on flying.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Drone Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drone Operator, you generally need a basic understanding of drone flight principles, FAA Part 107 certification, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drone control systems, flight planning software, and data collection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you adapt to different environments and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient drone operations and accurate data collection, which are critical for meeting project goals and regulatory requirements.

Can you get drone jobs with no experience?

Entry level drone jobs often do not require prior experience, but applicants typically need a drone pilot certification and basic knowledge of drone operation. Employers may provide on-the-job training, and having skills in navigation, safety protocols, and familiarity with drone software can improve chances of employment.

What is the 400 foot rule for drones?

For entry level drone operators, the 400 foot rule refers to the FAA regulation that drones must be kept within 400 feet of the operator or visual line of sight. This rule helps ensure safe operation and avoid interference with manned aircraft. Adhering to this limit is essential for compliance and safe flying practices in many jurisdictions.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level team members at Drone Base, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level team members at Drone Base often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technology, meeting tight project deadlines, and ensuring strict compliance with aviation safety regulations. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in ongoing training, and stay updated on industry best practices. Collaboration and open communication with team members also help in resolving technical or logistical issues efficiently. Embracing a learning mindset will allow new hires to grow and excel in this dynamic environment.

What are entry-level drone base jobs?

Entry-level drone base jobs typically involve operating drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, or inspection, usually under the supervision of more experienced pilots. These roles often require basic knowledge of drone technology, adherence to safety regulations, and sometimes a certification, such as the FAA Part 107 license in the United States. Entry-level positions are a great way to gain hands-on experience with drone operations and can lead to more advanced roles as skills and certifications are developed.

What drone jobs are best for beginners?

Entry-level drone jobs suitable for beginners include aerial photography, basic inspection work, and data collection tasks. These roles often require minimal experience, basic knowledge of drone operation, and sometimes a certification or license depending on local regulations. Gaining skills in drone safety, flight controls, and editing software can improve job prospects.
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Entry Level Drone Base jobs near you

Flight Software Engineer

Space Kinetic

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You'll Do:
The Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the challenging environment of space. Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop environments. Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design. Partner with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites

What It Takes:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
  • 2- 3 years of experience developing embedded or real-time software for space, aerospace, robotics, or mission-critical systems.
  • Knowledge of software development through all phases of the system lifecycle—from requirements through flight operations.
  • Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting languages for automation and testing.
  • Familiarity with RTOS, bare-metal programming, or Linux-based embedded systems.
  • Basic understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource management in constrained environments.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

What We'd Love:

  • Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F' FPrime, or custom architectures).
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.
  • Knowledge of space communication protocols (CCSDS, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, etc.).

*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we're building. If you're driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn't fully align with every qualification, we want your application.

Where You'll Be:

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year).

What We Offer:

  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
  • Health and Wellness Stipend
  • Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. 

Pay Range
$120,000—$150,000 USD