Student Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Matternet is building the future of delivery with autonomous drone networks that move critical goods faster, cleaner, and at lower cost. We work with partners across healthcare, logistics, food, and retail to deliver everything from medical items to everyday essentials, safely and reliably.

As a Ground Support Crew Member, you keep the network running. You will be based in Mountain View, CA, working across our active delivery sites, preparing aircraft, loading orders, and acting as the link between our part 135 Operations Partner and the restaurants and shops our drones fly for. This is a hands-on, field-based role with real responsibility from day one.

Your shift starts before the first flight. You inspect the aircraft, verify equipment, and communicate with  the remote ops center to begin the day. When an order comes in from a partner restaurant or shop, you make it happen and see the flight off.

In this role, you will: 

• Conduct pre- and post-flight aircraft inspections per approved procedures; maintain accurate airworthiness and maintenance records
• Prepare and load payloads for each flight; verify order accuracy and packaging integrity at the point of handoff from merchant partners
• Operate and service ground equipment and charging systems
• Act as the on-site liaison between remote operations center and partner restaurants and shops, coordinating flight schedules, communicating delays, and resolving ground-level issues in real time
• Troubleshoot and document mechanical and electrical discrepancies; escalate faults through the proper maintenance release process
• Enforce site safety protocols, manage non-crew personnel around the aircraft, and report occurrences through Safety Management System
• Complete Operator certification and all required recurrent training to maintain active status 

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (current and valid)
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical systems; aviation, automotive, robotics, or industrial background all considered
• Ability to follow and execute written SOPs accurately in a safety-critical environment
• Clear communicator; comfortable coordinating between a remote operations team and on-site merchant partners
• Comfortable working outdoors, on your feet, across variable shift hours including early mornings and weekends
• Ability to comply with the Company's FAA/DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing program (see Drug & Alcohol Testing below)
• Based in or able to relocate to Mountain View, CA

Preferred qualifications: 

• Multi-rotor UAS operating experience beyond Part 107 certification
• Experience in a Part 135, Part 145, or other FAA-regulated operating environment
• Experience authoring or revising controlled documents (SOPs, maintenance procedures, inspection checklists)
• Manned aviation background (student pilot, PPL, CPL, or military flight experience)

Work Environment 

• This is an on-site, field-based role operating from Ground Control Stations and active delivery sites in and around Mountain View, CA.
• The work will be predominately outdoors with exposure to sun, heat, wind, cold, and noise for the duration of a shift.
• Shifts may include early mornings, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.
• Travel will be required between local operating sites and to support new route validation

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Stand, walk, and remain on your feet for the majority of a shift, often on outdoor and uneven surfaces
• Frequently lift, carry, and position aircraft, batteries, payloads, and ground equipment weighing up to approximately 50 lbs; occasionally more with assistance
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach to inspect aircraft, load payloads, and service ground equipment
• Use hand tools and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control
• Sufficient near and distance visual acuity and hearing to inspect aircraft, monitor operations, and communicate on-site and by radio
• Communicate clearly and exchange accurate information verbally and in writing with the Air Operations team and merchant partners
• Work safely around aircraft, moving rotors, charging systems, and ground support equipment, and tolerate outdoor weather conditions
• This position is subject to DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment and random testing. Federal law also requires us to review an applicant's DOT drug and alcohol testing history prior to hire.

Benefits

At Matternet, we’re advancing a new era of logistics, one where autonomous drones deliver what matters faster, cleaner, and more efficiently. We know our mission is challenging, but it's worth it, and we are committed to taking care of the people who make it possible.

• Compensation: The expected starting range for this role is $28–$36/hour, based on San Francisco Bay Area market data. This range reflects the target starting pay for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your experience, skills, level, location, and potential impact.
• Total Rewards: In addition to base pay, our compensation packages include equity and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), unlimited paid time off, company holidays, and a 401(k) plan.