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Uav Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Swift Engineering

UAV Electrical Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Electrical Engineer to design, integrate, and own the complete electrical architecture of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems. This role is critical to the ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze test activities for advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems. This role works closely with the design and engineering ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Mechanical Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Description Overview We are seeking an experienced UAV Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of unmanned aerial vehicle structures and mechanisms. This role focuses ...

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Uav Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$88K

$140.1K

How much do uav engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav engineer in California is $88,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV engineer?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains drone systems for various applications, including military, commercial, and research purposes. They work with hardware and software components such as flight controllers, navigation systems, communication systems, and sensors. UAV Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize drone performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and address challenges like aerodynamics, power efficiency, and automation.

What does a UAV engineer do?

A typical day for a UAV Engineer often involves designing and testing UAV components, writing and debugging control software, and analyzing flight data to optimize performance. You may participate in collaborative meetings with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, to coordinate design efforts and resolve technical challenges. Field testing UAV prototypes is also common, requiring on-site troubleshooting and real-time adjustments. The role blends hands-on technical work with documentation and compliance tasks to ensure projects meet both engineering and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the UAV engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Engineer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering or robotics, proficiency in programming (such as C++ or Python), and knowledge of UAV design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, flight simulation tools, embedded systems, and FAA drone regulations is typically required, along with certifications like Part 107 for commercial drone operation. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in cross-functional projects. These skills ensure safe, efficient UAV development and integration in diverse environments, meeting both technical and regulatory standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Uav Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Uav Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Uav Engineer jobs in California? For Uav Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Uav Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Engineer jobs in California are:
Uav Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,015 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

UAV Electrical Engineer

Swift Engineering

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated UAV Electrical Engineer to design, integrate, and own the complete electrical architecture of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle systems. This role is critical to the performance, reliability, and scalability of the UAV platform and requires close collaboration with a small, high-performance engineering team.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, self-driven, and comfortable taking full ownership of complex electrical systems from concept through flight.
Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and validate the complete electrical network of the UAV
  • Design and review custom circuit boards (PCB design) for avionics, power distribution, payloads, and communication systems
  • Own all radio communication systems, including command & control, telemetry, and payload data links
  • Integrate and manage battery management systems (BMS) and power electronics
  • Support integration of onboard payloads and sensors
  • Collaborate closely with avionics, software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams
  • Support system integration, ground testing, and flight testing activities
  • Perform troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and iterative design improvements
  • Develop and maintain electrical documentation, schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface definitions

What we Offer
  • Full system ownership and technical leadership responsibility
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge UAV platforms
  • Collaborative, high-performance engineering culture
  • Direct impact on vehicle capability and mission success

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering for UAVs, aerospace, robotics, or complex embedded systems
  • Strong experience with circuit board design, schematic capture, and layout
  • Solid understanding of UAV communication systems and RF integration
  • Experience with power distribution, power electronics, and battery systems
  • Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-paced, high-performance team environment
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of owning systems end-to-end

Preferred Qualified
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Familiarity with solar power systems, energy harvesting, or long-endurance platforms
  • Experience with avionics integration and EMI/EMC considerations
  • Background in UAV, aerospace, or high-reliability systems
  • Experience supporting flight test and operational deployments

Benefits
  • 9/80 Schedule
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

About Swift Engineering
If you're passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.
The pay range for this role is:
130,000 - 150,000 USD per year (Swift Engineering)

Apply