Join us as a Drone Operator / ArduPilot Engineer in Minden, Nevada, where you'll build and maintain drones, plan autonomous missions, and conduct field tests using your expertise in PX4 and ArduPilot.
Experience
0–1 yrs
Location
On-site
Nevada, United States
Experience
0–1 yrs
Location
On-site
Nevada, United States
The Brief
TITLE
Drone Operator / ArduPilot Engineer
TYPE
Full-time
POSITIONS
1
POSTED
Nov 11, 2026
JOB ID
01a1c688
TITLE
Drone Operator / ArduPilot Engineer
TYPE
Full-time
POSITIONS
1
POSTED
Nov 11, 2026
JOB ID
01a1c688
We’re recruiting a Drone Operator / PX4 Engineer who can build aircraft, modify and compile PX4, ArduPilot, plan autonomous missions, fly tests, and troubleshoot aircraft in the field.
This is a hands-on, full-time role based in Minden, Nevada, with frequent testing throughout the U.S.
Location: Minden, Nevada — full-time, in-person, relocation assisted.
Travel: Frequent field testing and demonstrations throughout the U.S.
Compensation: 100-120K/year + up to 1% equity (100M Valuation) + all food and necessary tools required all covered.
This is a hands-on technical and flight role involving drone construction, PX4, ArduPilot development, autonomous mission planning, field repairs, and live testing. You’ll own the drone fleet from airframe and firmware through flight operations and post-flight data.
Build, wire, solder, repair, and maintain drones
Configure and tune flight controllers using ArduPilot and Mission Planner
Modify, compile, and flash PX4 and ArduPilot source code for custom flight behaviors
Plan and execute repeatable autonomous flight missions
Serve as Pilot in Command during field tests and customer demonstrations
Manage batteries, radios, ground stations, parts, and field equipment
Troubleshoot and repair aircraft in the field
Analyze flight logs and provide test data to engineers
Travel to testing locations throughout the U.S.
Advanced PX4 ArduPilot and Mission Planner experience
Ability to read, modify, compile, and flash the ArduPilot codebase
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience building drones from bare frames
Strong soldering, wiring, ESC, motor, power, and RF knowledge
Expert manual and autonomous flight experience
Strong field troubleshooting and repair skills
Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR requirements
INAV, Betaflight, Python, C++, FPV, fixed-wing aircraft, and previous military or commercial UAS operations experience.
About the company
Drone.vet helps companies find specialized talent across the drone, defense, aerospace, engineering, and infrastructure sectors. From skilled pilots in the field to engineers developing advanced systems, we connect employers with professionals for full-time, contract, and project-based roles.
Our recruiting services cover FPV, fixed-wing, and VTOL pilots; ArduPilot and PX4 developers; computer vision specialists; embedded systems engineers; and mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers. We also help source talent for utility and infrastructure inspections, surveying and mapping, construction monitoring, energy projects, telecommunications, agriculture, and drone fleet management.
For defense companies, we recruit professionals supporting autonomous systems, flight testing, systems integration, and counter-UAS programs. For commercial and infrastructure teams, we find candidates who can inspect assets, collect accurate field data, and support complex operations.
We handle candidate sourcing, email and phone outreach, screening, recorded interviews, and role-specific assessments—helping employers spend less time searching and more time speaking with qualified candidates.
