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Uav Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist III

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced UAV Systems Technical Trainer to work in the ... Coordinates instructor led training programs with customer and/or contractor personnel ...

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong ... Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred) * Ability to ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

New

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong ... Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred) * Ability to ...

Hermeus

Test Pilot

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Instructor pilot experience * Knowledge of military or FAA Airworthiness requirements * Strong ... Flight experience in group 4/5 UAV (Global Hawk, Triton, and/or Reaper preferred) * Ability to ...

SAIC

ZOA Remote Pilot Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

$40K - $80K/yr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for a Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

All JobsUav Instructor JobsUav Instructor Jobs in California

Uav Instructor information

See California salary details

$10

$28

$46

How much do uav instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav instructor in California is $28.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $42.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV instructor?

A UAV Instructor is responsible for training individuals on the operation, safety, and regulations related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and hands-on flight training, and ensure students understand airspace rules and emergency procedures. UAV Instructors may work in military, commercial, or educational settings, teaching both beginner and advanced UAV pilots. Their role is crucial in ensuring safe and efficient UAV operations.

What are the common responsibilities of a UAV instructor?

As a UAV Instructor, your typical day may involve preparing lesson plans, delivering classroom and hands-on flight instruction, supervising student UAV operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed at all times. You’ll frequently assess student progress through evaluations or practical flight tests, maintain training equipment, and update instructional materials to keep up with evolving technology and regulations. Collaboration with other instructors, program coordinators, and occasionally industry partners is common to ensure consistent training standards. This role often provides a mix of structured lessons and dynamic outdoor sessions, offering both variety and opportunities to mentor aspiring drone operators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV instructor?

To thrive as a UAV Instructor, you need expert knowledge of unmanned aerial vehicle systems, flight operations, and instructional techniques, usually supported by commercial drone pilot certification (such as FAA Part 107) and teaching experience. Familiarity with UAV flight simulation software, ground control stations, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, patience, and the ability to adapt to varying student skill levels are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, effective training environments and help students gain confidence and proficiency in UAV operations.

What are popular job titles related to Uav Instructor jobs in California?

For Uav Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Uav Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Uav Instructor jobs in California are:

Uav Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,367 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Part-Time UAS/UAV Technology Instructor (Pool)

West Valley-Mission CCD

Saratoga, CA

$38K - $55K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Part-Time UAS/UAV Technology Instructor (Pool) Position ID Campus West Valley College
Position Summary Information
Definition
This is a Part Time, Associate Faculty position to assist in the instruction and implementation of the UAS Technology Program at West Valley College. The selected candidate will instruct and lead students, and work with an industry Advisory Board to assure curriculum conformity with industry needs. Instruction will be both lecture and lab, with a high degree of hands-on instruction.
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as entry level operators and technicians in this occupational field. Through some lecture and mostly hands-on activities, students learn the operation and repair of both types of vehicles. The course will cover basic electronics, basic mechanics, GIS, FAA licensing requirements, safety, and career opportunities.
Applications for Part-Time, Associate Faculty pools are continually accepted (unless otherwise specified) by the District and will be added to the application pool for review by hiring authorities on an as-needed basis. Should you be invited for an interview, you will be contacted by a District representative.
Assignment
This position is a part-time position as an Associate Instructor. The teaching assignment may require teaching lecture-discussion courses during day, evening or on Saturday and/or in an on-line/distance education format. The assignments are as needed, during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall semesters. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT / AFT Local 6554).
Work location: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
Salary and Benefits
Salary is based on a percentage of workload, up to a maximum of 67% of a full-time load. Salary is prorated based on an initial hiring salary range of $38,464 - $55,582 per semester; and is based on academic achievement, teaching and related experience.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education - Possess any one of the following:
  • Any bachelor's degree or higher AND two years of professional experience; OR
  • Any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

AND
2. Understanding of, and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
Desired Qualifications
  • Operation experience as a Small UAS Operator and have led field instruction operations.
  • Must have a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License
  • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.
  • Experience in curriculum development desired.
  • Experience flying UAS systems both fixed wing and Quad-Rotor Systems
  • Experience in processing and analyzing data and images with various software packages that may include; ARCGIS, ENVI, Pix4D, AgiSoft Photo Scan, Drone 2 Map.
  • Experience in sensor, hardware design and systems maintenance.
  • Experience in entrepreneurship.
  • Experience in conducting missions with UAS/UAV.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional duties and assignments may consist of one or more of the following:
  • Provide instruction for assigned courses. This includes preparation for in-class or on-line/distance education activities, evaluation of students' work, consultation with students outside of class and/or on-line, maintenance of currency in the subjects taught.
  • Maintain accurate class and other records required by the college.
  • Submit, when due, attendance rosters and grade reports.
  • Follow course outlines as filed in the instruction offices.
  • Maintain office hours each week, at .5 hours per week per section.
  • Observe, support and enforce the regulations, policies and programs of the District and college.
  • Provide each student with a written course syllabus at the beginning of the course, as per instructions in the Faculty Handbook.
  • Refer students to appropriate college sources for information on counseling and other student services.
  • Assist students by providing advice on requirements for successful achievement in the members' area of expertise.
  • Work cooperatively within the college community.
  • Foster an environment that protects academic freedom within the college community.
  • Foster a positive working environment that is free from harassment, prejudice and/or bias.
  • Demonstrate a respect for the dignity of each individual.
Other Duties Application Information
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
  • Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Resume; (3) Unofficial copies of transcripts; (4) District Equivalency Application, if applicable; and (5) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
  • All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
  • Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will be removed from your application and will not be used for consideration of employment.
  • The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
  • If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
  • Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
  • If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store, then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
  • Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
  • When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system.

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:
Applicants applying under equivalency bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application form with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) that they believe to be equivalent of the required qualifications for this position. Application(s) for equivalency are required if degrees are not in exact discipline required.
The Equivalency Application is included in the online application as an OPTIONAL form to complete.
  • ONLY complete the Request for Equivalency application if degree does not match discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.
  • List accurately and completely the courses taken that match requirements of the required degree.
  • Do NOT attach documents such as course evaluations.

For assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: careers@wvm.edu
Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:
  • Applications will be screened by appropriate department representatives on an as-needed basis. Qualified applicants who best meet the needs of the division will be contacted for an interview.
  • Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
  • Applications will remain in our online system for 1 year. Each year, part-time pools will be refreshed and applicants will be notified of the opportunity to re-submit application.
  • Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
  • The district reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
  • Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
  • Prior to employment, the selected candidate must submit official transcripts.
  • The district does not provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number FY17/18-708POOL Open Date 04/29/2024 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

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