ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drone Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY · On-site

$200 - $400/day

Experienced Drone Pilot - Agriculture Fleet Target Project States: New Jersey, New York ... This role is designed for pilots who already hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, have a ...

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Minden, NV · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Sentradel is a defense startup building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot down dozens of ...

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Sentradel is a defense startup building autonomous, low cost kinetic turret systems designed to defeat Group 1 (small FPV drones) and low flying Group 2 drone threats. We have shot down dozens of ...

New

Private

Be Seen First

Field Sales Executive - Drone Solutions

Tyler, TX · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr (+ commission)

Our NDAA-compliant drones are designed, engineered, and manufactured in Tyler, Texas. We are ... About the Position SmartDrone is seeking a Field Sales Executive - Drone Solutions to drive new ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsDrone Designer Jobs

Drone Designer information

See salary details

$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do drone designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone designer in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone designer?

Drone designers are professionals who specialize in creating and developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They combine skills in engineering, aerodynamics, electronics, and software to design drones for various applications, such as photography, delivery, agriculture, and surveillance. Their work involves conceptualizing the structure, selecting appropriate materials, integrating sensors and control systems, and ensuring the drone meets safety and regulatory standards. Drone designers often collaborate with other engineers and technologists to bring innovative aerial solutions to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone designer?

To thrive as a Drone Designer, a strong background in aerospace engineering, CAD modeling, and electronics is essential, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, experience with prototyping tools, and understanding of UAV control systems are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative, safe, and efficient drone designs that meet regulatory and market demands.

What are some typical challenges faced by drone designers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Drone Designers often collaborate closely with engineers, software developers, and product managers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements with design vision. Balancing aerodynamics, weight, battery life, and user experience requires clear communication and frequent compromise. Additionally, keeping up with rapid advancements in drone technology means designers must continuously update their knowledge and adapt to new tools and standards. Working effectively in this environment demands flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to learn from colleagues in other disciplines.

What is the difference between Drone Designer vs Drone Engineer?

AspectDrone DesignerDrone Engineer
CredentialsTypically holds a degree in design, aeronautics, or related fields; certifications in CAD or drone design softwareUsually has an engineering degree; certifications in systems engineering, CAD, or drone technology
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, labs, or offices focused on conceptual and aesthetic developmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or field testing sites for technical development and testing
Industry UsageUsed in industries focusing on drone aesthetics, user interface, and functional designInvolved in technical development, system integration, and performance optimization of drones

While both roles work within the drone industry, Drone Designers focus on the aesthetic and functional design aspects, creating visually appealing and user-friendly drone models. Drone Engineers, on the other hand, handle technical development, system integration, and performance testing. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and career goals.

Are drone designer jobs in demand?

Drone designer jobs are increasingly in demand as industries such as agriculture, construction, and defense expand their use of unmanned aerial systems. Professionals with skills in aerodynamics, CAD software, and electronics are sought after to develop innovative drone designs and improve existing models.
More about Drone Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Designer job openings:

What states have the most Drone Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Designer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drone Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Designer jobs are:

Drone Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.

Hardware Manager, Electric Propulsion Systems, Prime Air

Amazon

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Prime Air is Amazon's drone delivery program, working to safely deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. We are looking for an experienced Hardware Manager to lead the Electric Propulsion Systems team, responsible for the design, development, and production of key subsystems powering the Prime Air drone - including motors, batteries, charging infrastructure, and power distribution.
This is a people-manager role with direct reports. You will own the technical roadmap and execution for electric propulsion hardware, driving innovation while meeting fast program timelines

You'll collaborate across disciplines (software, flight sciences, systems engineering, manufacturing) to deliver reliable, certifiable propulsion systems at scale.
Key job responsibilities
Own the technical direction and execution of electric propulsion hardware development.
Hire, develop, and manage a high-performing team of hardware engineers and research scientists ; provide mentorship, career development, and performance feedback.
Define and drive the propulsion hardware roadmap aligned with Prime Air program milestones.
Lead design reviews, trade studies, and risk assessments for propulsion subsystems.
Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, flight sciences, manufacturing, and safety teams.
Manage supplier and vendor relationships for key propulsion components; drive make-vs-buy decisions.
Ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and certification requirements (e.g., DO-160, DO-254, FAA Part 135).
Drive continuous improvement in design processes, test methodologies, and manufacturing readiness
A day in the life
This role is responsible for managing the development of a portfolio of products.
Daily activities include deep diving into the designs and aiding the team in decision making process, working with the supply chain and quality engineering team to ensure the designs are manufacturable and planning and conducting the testing on these products.
As this is a developmental role it is also expected that this role will own the propulsion part of technical roadmap engaging with external organizations to identify and investigate new technologies.
About the team
This role is part of a larger team of hardware managers, systems engineers and technical program managers who own Prime Air's next generation drone designs

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

View All Amazon Jobs

Apply