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Drone Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

... drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested ... We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ...

Space Kinetic

Machine Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic's core ...

Space Kinetic

Machine Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic's core ...

Space Kinetic

Machine Design Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$81K - $109K/yr

... drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions ... The Machine Design Engineer will design, build, and refine prototypes for Space Kinetic's core ...

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Drone Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do drone design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drone Design Engineer vs Drone Software Engineer?

AspectDrone Design EngineerDrone Software Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing drone hardware, aerodynamics, and mechanical systemsDeveloping software, algorithms, and control systems for drones
Required SkillsMechanical engineering, CAD, electronics, prototypingProgramming, embedded systems, robotics software
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilitiesSoftware development environments, simulation tools
Common EmployersAerospace companies, drone manufacturersTech firms, robotics companies, startups

While both roles are integral to drone technology, the Drone Design Engineer focuses on hardware and physical design, whereas the Drone Software Engineer specializes in coding and software systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the drone industry.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Design Engineer jobs?

For Drone Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA • On-site

Neros Technologies
See more jobs at Neros Technologiesexternal

$91K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

Neros is seeking a test pilot to run flight testing and qualification on Neros systems. This role will be primarily field testing and piloting FPV drones. The ideal candidate will be an expert drone pilot who can execute flight tests, identify failures and product imperfections, and thoroughly report back to FPV Specialists and engineers.

  • Pilot drones in flight testing, gain deep familiarity with the system and aircraft performance
  • ~80% time field testing. Must have ability to travel several days in a week
  • Prepare, transport, and operate drone systems and supporting equipment
  • Document and collect data during tests
  • Perform high volume qualification on late-stage engineering products

You should have the following

  • 2 years minimum on acro drones
  • Expert at acro FPV and LOS flying
  • Ability to detect subtle performance issues in equipment
  • Technical knowledge of UAV components
  • Betaflight and ESC software
  • Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
  • Part 107

Nice to have

  • 5+ years experience in FPV
  • Blackbox analysis and PID tuning
  • Professional FPV piloting experience
  • CAD/drone design
  • Experience with cinelifters or large FPV platforms

US Salary Range

$91,000 - $127,500 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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