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Uav Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Army National Guard

15W UAV Operator

San Diego, CA

As an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator in the Army National Guard, you will be responsible for piloting these drones, and using your skills to gather and relay information about enemy forces and ...

Anduril Industries

UAV Operator, Bolt

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

About The Team The Tactical Recon & Strike (TRS) team at Anduril develops small aerial drones (Group 1-3) along with all the necessary equipment for testing, deployment, and operation. The team ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

UAV Operator, Bolt

Costa Mesa, CA

$113K - $155K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of ...

Anduril Industries

UAV Operator, Bolt

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of ...

Covered 6 LLC

Be Seen First

UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Experience operating DJI and Autel UAV platforms * Knowledge of FAA airspace regulations and drone safety procedures * Strong situational awareness and decision-making skills * Ability to work ...

Covered 6 LLC

Be Seen First

UAV Pilot (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Experience operating DJI and Autel UAV platforms * Knowledge of FAA airspace regulations and drone safety procedures * Strong situational awareness and decision-making skills * Ability to work ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

FSR - Site Lead

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$29 - $40/hr

AVO - UAV operator experience (1000 hours). * MECH -- VTOL UAV experience (3 Years). Rotor exp (3 years). FAA Airframe and Powerplant license preferred. * Able to qualify for and maintain FAA Class ...

AeroVironment

FSR - Site Lead

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$29 - $40/hr

AVO - UAV operator experience (1000 hours). * MECH -- VTOL UAV experience (3 Years). Rotor exp (3 years). FAA Airframe and Powerplant license preferred. * Able to qualify for and maintain FAA Class ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist III

Palmdale, CA · On-site

Investigates and analyzes project requirements and operating problems and develops recommended ... UAV Systems Technical Trainer Job Qualifications: * Typically requires education or formal training ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist II

Palmdale, CA · On-site

Investigates and analyzes project requirements and operating problems and develops recommended ... UAV Systems Technical Trainer Job Qualifications: * Typically requires education or formal training ...

Grid Aero

UAV Build & Test Technician

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

UAV Build & Test Technician Company: Grid.aero Location: Onsite 5 days/week [San Leandro, CA ... Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we ...

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Uav Operator information

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$10

$22

$52

How much do uav operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav operator in California is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a UAV Operator, you need strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations, often supported by a relevant certification such as an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Familiarity with UAV flight control systems, GPS navigation software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient UAV operations and for delivering accurate data or services in various industries.

What are some common challenges UAV Operators face when coordinating with ground teams during missions?

UAV Operators often work closely with ground teams to ensure mission objectives are met efficiently and safely. One common challenge is maintaining clear and consistent communication, especially in dynamic environments where mission parameters can change rapidly. Operators must be adept at interpreting real-time data and relaying critical information to ground personnel, sometimes under tight time constraints. Additionally, synchronizing UAV flight paths with ground team movements requires strong situational awareness and adaptability to avoid operational conflicts.

What does a UAV Operator do?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Operator is responsible for piloting drones or remotely operated aircraft for various purposes, such as surveillance, mapping, inspections, or deliveries. They plan flight paths, operate the drone systems, monitor equipment, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. UAV Operators may work in fields like agriculture, construction, law enforcement, or filmmaking, and they often analyze the data or footage collected during flights. Proper training and certification are usually required to operate UAVs professionally and safely.

What is the difference between Uav Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectUav OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification often requiredFAA Part 107 certification typically required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, agriculture, surveillanceAerial photography, videography, inspections
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private companies, militaryMedia companies, real estate, film production

Both Uav Operators and Drone Pilots often hold FAA Part 107 certification and work in similar environments. However, Uav Operators tend to focus more on operational control and data collection in industrial or surveillance settings, while Drone Pilots often specialize in aerial photography and videography for media or real estate. The roles overlap significantly, but the context of work and industry focus can differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Uav Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Uav Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Uav Operator jobs in California? For Uav Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Uav Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Uav Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Uav Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Uav Operator job openings:
Uav Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Operator job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,348 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
15W UAV Operator

15W UAV Operator

Army National Guard

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Military drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are used in the field to gather intelligence for tactical operations. As an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator in the Army National Guard, you will be responsible for piloting these drones, and using your skills to gather and relay information about enemy forces and battle areas to your crews.

Job Duties

  • Conduct air reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and acquisition missions
  • Plan and analyze flight missions
  • Perform preflight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and procedures
  • Launch and recover airframe from runway
  • Perform maintenance on communications equipment, power sources, light/heavy wheeled vehicles, and crane operations

Some of the Skills You'll Learn

  • Performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance simulation missions
  • Preparing maps, charts, and intelligence reports
  • Analyzing aerial photographs
  • Using computer systems

Helpful Skills

  • Interest in remote/radio controlled vehicles
  • Organize information and study its meaning
  • Ability to think and write clearly
  • Strong attention to detail

Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with federal government agencies, including the CIA and NSA.

Earn While You Learn

Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 23 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

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