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Contract Drone Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Software Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$111.50 - $158.02/hr

Drone piloting experience, particularly possessing an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. * Experience ... Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits AV offers an excellent benefits package ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$123K - $151K/yr

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$123K - $151K/yr

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

Software Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting ... Contingent Upon Contract Award VTG's estimated starting pay range is $105,000-$150,000 which is a ...

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract. Summary: The Software Engineer will support DHS CISA by designing, developing, and maintaining ...

S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract. Summary: The Software Engineer will support DHS CISA by designing, developing, and maintaining ...

Outside of contract work, TRSS Software Engineers contribute to internal innovation by participating in research and development (R&D), developing and maintaining shared capabilities, strengthening ...

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Contract Drone Software Engineer information

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 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 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Drone Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Drone Software Engineer job openings:

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Zetier

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate practical experience designing, developing, and deploying tools intersecting command and control, persistence, and networking.

Required:

  • Highly experienced with low-level programming (C/C++)
  • Experience developing in scripting languages (Python)
  • Highly experienced in systems software development (Linux/Windows kernel drivers)
  • Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions
  • Effective communication with customers and teammates
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance

Desired:

  • Experience working in networking (802.11ac, Zigbee, GSM, SATCOM, SDN, UHF/VHF, 5g)
  • Integration with standard system libraries (POSIX, WIN32 API)
  • Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT)
  • Reverse engineering experience (gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro)
  • Familiar reading assembly / compiled programs (x86, x64, ARM)
  • Securely implemented cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, SHA256, ECDSA)
  • Developed/patched version control software itself (git, svn, mercurial)
  • Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS)
  • Successfully led small cross-domain development teams
  • Active U.S. security clearance

Zetier is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business need.