Israeli Drone Companies Rapidly Hire and Train Workers Amid Defense Tech Boom
Since October 7, Israel's defense technology sector, particularly drone companies, has seen a sharp increase in job openings. Companies urgently need skilled workers but refuse to compromise on quality, leading them to establish internal training programs that prepare new employees for the complex drone industry. These programs combine industrial and high-tech skills and offer growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding field. New recruits come from diverse backgrounds, including recent military veterans, women, and older workers aged 50 to 60.
A visit to Airobotics, an autonomous drone company owned by the American defense tech firm Ondas, reveals a high-tech environment where drones like the eight-motor Iron Drone operate at speeds up to 150 km/h. New employees undergo intensive training starting with simulators and progressing to real flight exercises in open fields. The training includes handling emergency scenarios and mastering drone control under challenging conditions. Successful trainees can obtain civilian drone pilot licenses, enabling them to become certified operators at Airobotics. Human Resources Director Noam Yahalomi highlights that many senior managers began as basic drone operators, emphasizing internal career growth.
Airobotics has doubled its workforce this year, hiring about 130 employees and aiming for 260 by year-end, with weekly recruitment rates of five to seven new workers. Despite the rapid hiring pace, the company maintains strict quality standards and is willing to part ways with unsuitable hires. The surge in demand is driven by increased defense needs, including threats from explosive drones and kites along Israel's northern and southern borders.
Other companies like Next Vision, specializing in drone camera systems, also face intense hiring demands and have created internal academies to train workers. Their training focuses on precise assembly and quality control, with a strong emphasis on maintaining high production standards. The company’s CEO, Chen Golan, stresses the importance of thorough training before employees join production lines.
The drone sector’s rapid growth exposes a shortage of specialized academic programs in robotics and drone technology. Companies like Robotichan and Eitan have developed their own training courses to bridge this gap. Eitan, which quadrupled its staff in a year, also provides internal training for operators, many of whom are former military drone pilots.
Overall, the Israeli defense tech industry benefits from significant investments and government contracts, with about 34,000 employees nationwide. The drone and unmanned systems sector accounts for 3.3% of open positions. Companies prioritize candidates with a mission-driven mindset and multidisciplinary skills, offering stock options and career advancement to attract and retain talent. Universities like Tel-Hai are responding by launching new AI engineering faculties to support future workforce needs.
