Drone Operator

Join a hands‑on, fast‑moving flight test team shaping the future of autonomous aerial systems. As a Drone Operator, you’ll support field testing and validation of next‑generation drone platforms—working directly with engineering, operations, and flight leads to ensure every test is executed safely, precisely, and with purpose. If you’re passionate about drones, thrive outdoors, and love solving real‑time technical challenges, this role is for you.

• Execute structured drone test flights in manual and autonomous modes, adjusting flight parameters as test conditions evolve.
• Perform daily pre‑flight and post‑flight procedures, including equipment prep, battery management, and test‑site logistics.
• Work in real‑world field environments, including standing for long periods and handling drones repeatedly in varying weather (heat, cold, wind, dust, etc.).
• Collaborate closely with engineering and flight teams to report observations, flag anomalies, and support iterative design/testing cycles.
• Contribute to safe, efficient, and high‑quality flight test operations every day.

You will…

• Operate and test cutting‑edge autonomous drones in real-world flight scenarios.
• Support flight testing, data capture, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.
• Work side‑by‑side with engineers and operators, providing insights that directly influence new drone designs.
• Gain hands‑on experience with emerging technology and fast‑paced hardware development.
• Be part of a mission‑driven team building the future of autonomous drone delivery.

• FAA Part 107 Certified with 100+ logged flight hours across diverse environments.
• Skilled in FPV/Acro Mode flying.
• Strong understanding of FAA rules, airspace classes, risk management, and safe flight practices.
• Technical curiosity and the ability to troubleshoot drone systems during testing.
• Strong analytical mindset—you can spot anomalies, document findings, and help iterate on fixes.
• Hands‑on experience supporting drone development, aerospace testing, or robotics programs.
• Ability to fly multiple modes, collect accurate data, and provide thoughtful feedback to engineering.
• Clear communication skills—whether writing flight logs, documenting issues, or surfacing blockers to leads.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Francisco, CA.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Francisco,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 23, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.