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Contract Drone Software Engineer Jobs in Florida

XTEND

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Description XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems. This role focuses on hands-on embedded software ...

Hextronics

Full Stack Software Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

We design and manufacture drone-in-a-box systems that automate repetitive drone operations, taking ... engineer to help build and maintain the software powering our drone operations platform. You'll ...

ApplyMint

Software Engineer

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

About the role Applied Intuition is looking for a Software Engineer (Drone Stack Team) to architect and field advanced autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems that bridge hardware and software. In ...

New

kgs

Software Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

The Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex ... Federal government contract experience * Security clearance or ability to obtain one * Relevant ...

Apex Systems

Software Engineer

Juno Beach, FL · On-site

Contract * Number of Openings: 20-30 * Work Schedule: Candidates must be available during core ... Software Engineers * Research Scientists * Product Managers * AI/ML Engineers * Typical project ...

kgs

Software Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL

The Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex ... Federal government contract experience * Security clearance or ability to obtain one * Relevant ...

Cesicorp

Software Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Responsibilities * Perform as a software developer on an NCRC product scrum team. * Support ... Special Requirements/Security Clearance Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

Orlando, FL

$48 - $57/hr

Software Engineer We are seeking a Software Engineer to support the development of advanced ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL. Pay and Benefits ...

New

Chipton Ross

Software Engineer

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

$70/hr

Job #217035 Chipton-Ross is seeking a contract Software Engineer for an onsite contract opening in Cape Canaveral, FL. REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED SKILLS >Full stack or front-end web development experience ...

Geologics

Embedded Software Engineer

Orlando, FL

$75 - $102.50/hr

Embedded Software Engineer On-site Work Location: Orlando, FL Required ... Secret Clearance W2 Hourly Contract Only Schedule: 4/10A-1st Shift Rate Range: $75.00 - $102.50

Geologics

Embedded Software Engineer

Orlando, FL

$75 - $102.50/hr

Embedded Software Engineer On-site Work Location: Orlando, FL Required ... Secret Clearance W2 Hourly Contract Only Schedule: 4/10A-1st Shift Rate Range: $75.00 - $102.50

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Contract Drone Software Engineer information

What is a contract drone software engineer?

Contract Drone Software Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain software systems for drones (unmanned aerial vehicles). They typically work on tasks such as flight control, navigation, data processing, and integration with hardware components. These engineers may collaborate with clients in industries like agriculture, defense, delivery, or surveying to deliver custom drone solutions. Their roles often require expertise in programming languages, embedded systems, robotics, and sometimes compliance with aviation regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by contract drone software engineers when integrating new software with existing drone hardware?

Contract Drone Software Engineers often encounter challenges ensuring compatibility between custom software solutions and a variety of drone hardware platforms. Differences in firmware, sensor configurations, and communication protocols can require significant troubleshooting and adaptation. Additionally, maintaining real-time performance and safety standards while working under tight project deadlines can be demanding. Effective collaboration with hardware engineers and clear documentation practices are essential for overcoming these integration hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract drone software engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Drone Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in Python, C++, or Java), experience with embedded systems, and a background in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with drone-specific development platforms (such as PX4, ArduPilot), flight control systems, and version control tools like Git is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you address unique client needs and collaborate remotely. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable, innovative drone solutions on time and within project specifications.

What is the difference between Contract Drone Software Engineer vs Contract UAV Software Developer?

AspectContract Drone Software EngineerContract UAV Software Developer
CredentialsRelevant certifications in drone technology, software developmentSimilar certifications in UAV systems, software engineering
Work EnvironmentTypically in aerospace, defense, or commercial drone companiesOften in aerospace, research labs, or defense contractors
Industry UsageUsed in commercial, military, and recreational drone projectsPrimarily in military, research, and commercial UAV applications
Search IntentLooking for drone-specific software engineering rolesSearching for UAV or unmanned aerial vehicle software development jobs

Both roles involve developing software for unmanned aerial systems, but the Contract Drone Software Engineer typically focuses on commercial and recreational drones, while the Contract UAV Software Developer often works on military or research UAV projects. The skills and certifications overlap significantly, but the industry context and application focus differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in Florida are:

Contract Drone Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Drone Software Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution.

Embedded Software Engineer

XTEND

Tampa, FL • On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems.
This role focuses on hands-on embedded software and firmware development for tactical UAS platforms, including low-level driver development, hardware/software integration, communication interfaces, and embedded system debugging. The engineer will work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable, and field-ready drone systems.
Main Responsibilities
Embedded Software & Firmware Development
  • Develop, maintain, and improve embedded software and firmware for autonomous drone systems using C, with occasional support using C++ and Python.

Hardware / Software Integration
  • Work directly with hardware components, embedded processors, co-processors, sensors, payload interfaces, and peripheral devices to ensure reliable system-level integration.

Low-Level Driver Development
  • Develop and support low-level drivers and communication interfaces, including I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, and other embedded hardware protocols.

Microcontroller Development
  • Support embedded development on STM ARM microcontroller-based platforms, including firmware implementation, debugging, and hardware bring-up.

System Integration Support
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams during prototype development, system integration, and production troubleshooting.

Debugging & Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot firmware, hardware, PCB, and interface-level issues using engineering tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and schematics.

Core Operating System Support
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of XTEND's embedded software architecture and core operating environment for drone and payload systems.

Testing & Validation
  • Support bench testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, system integration testing, and field validation of embedded systems.

Documentation
  • Develop and maintain embedded software documentation, interface descriptions, test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and integration notes.

Requirements
Education - B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Experience - 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded software or firmware development.
Embedded Programming - Strong experience developing embedded software in C.
Hardware Integration - Experience debugging and integrating software directly on hardware platforms.
Communication Protocols - Experience implementing or troubleshooting embedded communication protocols such as I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, or similar interfaces.
Microcontrollers - Experience working with STM ARM microcontrollers or similar embedded processor platforms.
Debugging Tools - Proficiency using oscilloscopes and other bench-level debugging tools to troubleshoot embedded systems, PCBs, and hardware interfaces.
Schematics & Board-Level Understanding - Ability to read schematics, understand board-level design intent, and support hardware/software troubleshooting.
Hands-On Engineering - Comfortable working directly with hardware, prototypes, production systems, and fielded equipment.
Team Collaboration - Strong communication skills with the ability to work across embedded software, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, production, and field support teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with C and/or Python.
  • Experience with Linux kernel development or embedded Linux environments.
  • Familiarity with ROS2.
  • Experience using Git or similar software configuration management tools.
  • Experience with drone systems, robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace systems, or defense-related products.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds, production environments, or fielded hardware systems.
  • Familiarity with real-time systems, sensor integration, payload control, or communication modules.

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