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Remote Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pilot.com

Controller

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

The Role Pilot just shipped Meridian, the AI platform that closes the books end to end. We built it ... Strong communicator who builds relationships and gets people aligned in a remote or hybrid setting.

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All JobsPilot JobsRemote Pilot JobsRemote Pilot Jobs in California

Remote Pilot information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$129.2K

$198.4K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in California is $129,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Remote Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical understanding of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and drone-specific hardware is often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding remote pilots apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across diverse environments.

What is the difference between Remote Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften holds similar certifications, but may not be required to operate commercially
Work EnvironmentTypically responsible for flight planning, safety, and compliance; may oversee multiple dronesPrimarily focuses on operating drones during missions or shoots
Industry UsageUsed across industries like surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, and inspectionCommonly used in filming, photography, and recreational activities

The main difference is that a Remote Pilot holds specific certifications and oversees drone operations, ensuring safety and compliance, while a Drone Operator primarily focuses on flying drones during specific tasks. Both roles are integral in industries utilizing drone technology, but the Remote Pilot often has broader responsibilities and regulatory knowledge.

How do you become a remote pilot?

To become a remote pilot, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the appropriate aviation authority by passing a knowledge test covering regulations, airspace, and safety procedures. You must also be at least 16 years old, pass a background check, and operate drones within the guidelines set for commercial or recreational flying, often using specific remote control equipment and adhering to safety protocols.

What are Remote Pilots?

Remote Pilots, often known as drone pilots, are professionals trained to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a distance. They are responsible for controlling drones for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, and delivery services. Remote Pilots must understand flight regulations, safety procedures, and the technical aspects of their equipment. In many countries, they need to obtain specific certifications or licenses to operate drones commercially. This role is increasingly important in industries like agriculture, construction, and emergency response.

How much is Walmart paying drone pilots?

Walmart drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the delivery or surveillance tasks. The role often requires a commercial drone license and familiarity with operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a retail or logistics environment.

What are some common challenges Remote Pilots face when operating drones for commercial purposes?

Remote Pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining strong situational awareness when flying drones beyond visual line of sight, navigating complex airspace regulations, and ensuring safe operations in changing weather conditions. Additionally, balancing real-time communication with team members, such as visual observers or project managers, is crucial for successful missions. Staying current with technology updates and regulatory changes is also essential for continued success in this fast-evolving field.

How much do remotely piloted aircraft pilots make?

Remotely piloted aircraft pilots, or drone pilots, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and certification level. Experienced pilots working in sectors like film, agriculture, or security may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and FAA certifications.

What Is a Remote Pilot?

A remote pilot controls an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). As a remote pilot, your duties include flying and maintaining a drone and its systems, as well as remaining up-to-date on all FAA regulations regarding UAVs. To become a remote pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, be physically capable of handling a drone, and pass an FAA certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to manage the risks of flight. Career pilots must also be certified to handle unmanned aerial vehicles.

What does a remote pilot do?

A remote pilot operates unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspection. They are responsible for controlling the drone, following safety regulations, and ensuring proper operation, often requiring certification and knowledge of airspace rules.
More about Remote Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in California? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Pilot jobs in California? For Remote Pilot jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Pilot jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Pilot jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Remote Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,202 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Technical Solutions Engineer - Mobile Security Trailers

Technical Solutions Engineer - Mobile Security Trailers

GeoSearch

Los Angeles, CA • Remote

Part-time, Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description


We are seeking a reliable part-time field contractor to support the onsite technical deployment and commissioning of our client's new line of Mobile Security Trailers. We are seeking an independent contractor who wants to partner with us from the ground up to help launch this program, refine our field deployment workflows, and establish our localized operations.


This is a flexible, project-based contractor role where field assignments will be coordinated as mobile systems are sold and scheduled for deployment. This is not a generic handyman position; it is a technical role requiring a combination of low-voltage systems deployment, IP camera optimization, PoE field networking, cellular or Starlink connectivity, solar power validation, and structured field commissioning.


Why This Role Matters:

Mobile security trailers provide crucial asset protection and remote monitoring for high-risk, off-grid environments like construction zones, public utilities, and critical infrastructure. Because we are scaling this program from its initial rollout, your technical precision on-site is essential. You will be the boots-on-the-ground professional responsible for ensuring that early-stage deployments are structurally safe, fully connected, stable, and executing flawless remote data transmission from day one.


The Mission:

To successfully deploy, connect, calibrate, and commission Mobile Security Trailers during our program's launch phase. Ultimate success means delivering a fully powered, connected, documented, remotely viewable, and customer-accepted trailer system that meets our rigorous technical standards and sets a high baseline for our service division's expansion.


Key Impact Areas:

• Pre-Deployment Readiness: Review specific customer orders, bills of materials, trailer layouts, network routing plans, and site profiles before arrival to confirm that all required components, routing hardware, tools, and power systems are accounted for.

• Trailer Placement & Safety Stabilization: Position and stabilize the mobile asset in its designated customer-approved location, verifying safe mast clearance, optimized solar exposure, hardware access paths, and overall site safety.

• Camera & VMS Setup: Install, connect, aim, and test fixed and PTZ camera feeds, local network video recorders (NVRs), and edge devices to validate clear live views, local recording metrics, and remote access availability.

• Network & Cloud Integration: Configure or validate onsite cellular routers, Starlink satellite kits, Ethernet switches, and static/DHCP IP addressing schemes to establish communication between the trailer cameras and our remote viewing platforms.

• AI Analytics Calibration: For advanced platform tiers, map basic AI detection zones, calibrate line-crossing or intrusion rules, test warning media deterrents, and configure customer-specific alert routing profiles.

• Client Walkthrough & Orientation: Deliver a structured onsite review for the client covering trailer power variables, camera views, basic field troubleshooting, and escalation contacts.

• Meticulous Closeout Documentation: Capture complete deployment photos, verify serial numbers, log data speed tests, and submit a finalized closeout checklist within 24 hours of site departure.

• Limited Post-Install Support: Provide up to seven days of limited remote troubleshooting support following a deployment to adjust minor setup-related variables like offline cameras or basic alert rule tuning.


Minimum Qualifications:

• IP Surveillance Competency: Proven experience installing, aiming, configuring, and troubleshooting commercial IP cameras, PTZ optics, and local NVR workflows.

• Low-Voltage Capabilities: Experience routing, labeling, securing, and testing outdoor low-voltage cabling and PoE field enclosures.

• Field Networking Acumen: Functional understanding of IP addressing, DHCP/static allocations, cellular router provisioning, and mobile satellite (Starlink) placement.

• Mechanical Self-Sufficiency: Proficient use of mechanical hand tools, digital cable testers, mobile laptops, and smartphones to perform field configurations independently.

• Logistical Assets: Possession of reliable transportation (pickup truck, van, or SUV preferred) and standard personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Checklist Discipline: Comfort working within structured verification protocols and a commitment to gathering serial records and digital photos for 24-hour reporting closeouts.


Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical experience with UNV / Uniview cameras, recording hardware, or edge AI analytics units.

• Basic knowledge of off-grid solar equipment, industrial battery configurations, and power inverter metrics.

• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification or technical exposure to enterprise drone ecosystems like the DJI Dock 3 or DJI FlightHub 2.

• Active independent General Liability Insurance coverage (highly preferred for utility, government, or enterprise customer sites).

• Background operating within active construction environments, industrial facilities, or critical energy infrastructure.