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Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Modern Intelligence

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background ...

Modern Intelligence

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background ...

Modern Intelligence

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX

We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background ...

Staffingine LLC

Drone Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$109K - $131K/yr

Drone Data Engineer Job Location: Houston, Tx Job Type: Contract * Drone Data Execution Engineer Skydio * Drone Operations Data Execution * Plan execute and optimize drone missions for inspection ...

DMR Technologies

Drone Systems Engineering

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$80K - $200K/yr

Vision insurance Drone Systems Engineer Location: Lafayette, LA Position Type: Full-Time About DMR Technologies DMR Technologies designs and manufactures advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS ...

Mustang Cat

Drone Sales Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

Drone Sales Specialist - Houston Market (Surveying, Civil Engineering & First Responder Solutions) We are seeking a results-driven Drone Sales Specialist with expertise in surveying, civil ...

Skanska

Engineering Surveyor - Drone

Kent, WA · On-site

As the Engineering Surveyor - Drone, you will: * To be the knowledge lead and technical point of contact for drones/uav use within the project. * To ensure the project is compliant with the ...

Mariana Minerals

Drone Operator

Moab, UT · On-site

Coordinate drone activities with mine supervisors, engineering, dispatch, security, and safety personnel. * Conduct mission risk assessments and maintain awareness of mining hazards, traffic ...

HavocAI

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

Havoc

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone developer in the United States is $52.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $64.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone developer?

A Drone Developer is a software and hardware engineer who designs, builds, and programs unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They work with drone flight control systems, navigation algorithms, communication protocols, and sensor integration. Their role often involves writing software for autonomous flight, obstacle detection, and mission planning. Drone Developers collaborate with robotics engineers, aerospace specialists, and AI experts to improve drone capabilities for industries like agriculture, defense, logistics, and surveying.

What are some typical challenges a drone developer faces on a daily basis?

Drone Developers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting issues with hardware-software integration, ensuring robust communication between onboard systems, and adapting to rapidly evolving regulations in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including hardware engineers, software developers, and test pilots—is a key part of the job, requiring both technical flexibility and strong communication. Additionally, working in a fast-paced environment where project requirements can shift quickly helps developers stay adaptable while delivering innovative solutions. Overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and can lead to exciting career growth within the drone technology sector.

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

A Drone Developer needs a solid background in computer science or engineering, with strong programming skills (often in C++, Python, or ROS) and expertise in robotics and embedded systems. Familiarity with hardware prototyping tools, drone flight controllers, simulation platforms, and relevant certifications like the FAA Part 107 are typically valuable. Creative problem-solving, strong teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These capabilities are critical because drone technology requires integrating complex software and hardware within regulatory and safety constraints.

How do you become a drone developer?

To become a drone developer, you typically need a background in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering, along with programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Java. Experience with drone hardware, embedded systems, and software development tools like ROS or SDKs is also important, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.

Is drone developer a good career?

A drone developer designs and builds software and hardware for unmanned aerial vehicles, a growing field with applications in surveillance, delivery, and photography. The role often requires skills in programming, electronics, and robotics, and can offer opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and research sectors. Job prospects are strong as drone technology continues to expand across various industries.
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Infographic showing various Drone Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,905 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX • On-site

Modern Intelligence
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Modern Intelligenceexternal

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Modern Intelligence builds Sovereign, targeting software for unmanned systems. Manufacturers install it on UAVs, USVs, UUVs, and other unmanned vehicles. Sovereign runs on the vehicle's computer. It detects, classifies, and tracks targets from the onboard cameras, keeps identity when the picture breaks up, and can fly terminal guidance into impact. It keeps working when GPS is out and the radio is jammed.
We've held Department of War contracts, including work with Air Force Special Operations and SOCOM.
We've raised more than $12 million from Bedrock, Vine, Contrary, Air Street, Caffeinated, Champion Hill, Swell, Myelin, and others.
Details
We are looking for someone who loves building and flying drones. You will be working with many many drones from a wide variety of companies. You will be responsible for keeping a highly heterogeneous fleet of drones up and running, while also playing a key role in integrating and evaluating our autonomy software on new platforms. We expect you to solve any problem that comes up in the drone's flight controller, the electrical systems, or any physical problem.
We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background), Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, etc.
Requirements
  • Experience with both fixed wing and copter style drones.
  • Direct experience with ArduPilot or Betaflight.
  • Willingness to relocate to Austin, Texas.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). This role works on export-controlled technology.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with both ArduPilot and Betaflight, including ELRS/CRSF radio links.
  • Experience with less common drone configurations such as tail sitters, VTOL, etc.
  • Experience with UGVs and USVs.
  • Has built their own drones.
  • Experience with CAD and 3D printing.
  • Degree in one of: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering (or equivalent), or Computer Science.

Nice to have
  • Experience with PX4.
  • Experience with autonomy.
  • Willingness to travel to Ukraine.

$100,000 - $125,000 biweekly
Compensation Specifics
  • Final offer depends on demonstrated depth in a systems language and how much of the stack you can pick up quickly.
  • Equity is granted on top of base for every full-time role.
Benefits
  • Full Medical, dental, and vision for you and all members of your family
  • Flexible PTO
  • Paid Holidays: All federal holidays + last two weeks of the calendar year
  • Paid Parental Leave: 3 Months

We are investing heavily in increasing our ability to fly, test, integrate with, and maintain drones from a wide array of different drone vendors. Although we have experience spread around our company, aside from a pilot, this is the first role we are hiring with this focus.
Strong candidates will have an opportunity to not only shape, but potentially own the team that owns all of our drones and drone development.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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