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Drone Developer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

FPV Drone Operator

New York, NY · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

We are expanding our US engineering team in the New York metropolitan area. Our office is easily ... drone position * 2+ years of hands-on FPV experience (professional or serious hobbyist ...

New

We unify drone control, edge-AI processing, and mission execution into a single operational loop ... We are expanding our US engineering team in the New York metropolitan area. Our office is easily ...

New

ZeroMark, Inc. builds AI-driven counter-drone systems that work in combat, focusing on practical technology that saves lives. The General Software Engineer will design and develop software solutions ...

About Us ZeroMark builds AI-driven counter-drone systems that actually work in combat. No ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, data scientists, and subject ...

Android Application Engineer

New York, NY · On-site +1

$180K - $220K/yr

We unify drone control, edge-AI processing, and mission execution into a single operational loop ... We are expanding our US engineering team in the New York metropolitan area. Our office is easily ...

New

Field Support Engineer

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

We unify drone control, edge-AI processing, and mission execution into a single operational loop ... We are expanding our US engineering team in the New York metropolitan area. Our office is easily ...

New

About Us ZeroMark builds AI-driven counter-drone systems that actually work in combat. No ... What You'll Do As an Electrical Design Engineer, you'll be instrumental in designing, developing ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

About Us ZeroMark builds AI-driven counter-drone systems that actually work in combat. No ... What You'll Do The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the full lifecycle of ...

EnTech Engineering, PC is a multidisciplinary engineering and construction management firm devoted ... Interest or experience in aerial drone and aerial photography is a strong plus. Estimated Annual ...

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Drone Developer information

See New York salary details

$18

$57

$89

How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone developer in New York is $57.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.18 and $70.72 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs in New York?

The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs in New York are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Developer jobs in New York?

For Drone Developer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Developer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,240 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Drone Piloting Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

Port Washington, NY

$50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Drone Piloting Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Middle and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide drone piloting and aviation enrichment services for students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, available drones, classroom resources, flight space, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, instructional resources, project ideas, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

Some assignments may introduce students to concepts related to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Programs are educational in nature and are not intended to guarantee certification or examination outcomes.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and aviation sessions;

• Introduce students to drone flight fundamentals, aviation concepts, safety procedures, and responsible drone operation through hands-on learning activities;

• Adapt instruction based on student experience levels, site requirements, available equipment, and program objectives;

• Guide students through flight exercises, mission planning, problem-solving activities, and introductory FAA Part 107 concepts, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, technology, emergency, student-protection, and drone operation procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Drone components, controls, and pre-flight inspections;

• Safe and responsible drone operation;

• Basic flight maneuvers, navigation, and control techniques;

• Flight planning, airspace awareness, and weather considerations;

• FAA regulations and introductory Part 107 concepts, where appropriate;

• Drone applications in photography, mapping, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, engineering, and other industries;

• Mission-based challenges, teamwork, and problem-solving activities; and

• Careers in aviation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and related STEM fields.

Specific curriculum, drone platforms, flight activities, available equipment, and instructional requirements vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Experience operating drones and knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS);

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate preferred for many assignments; some assignments may specifically require current certification;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Ability to demonstrate safe drone operation while fostering critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and student engagement.

Preferred backgrounds may include FAA-certified remote pilots, drone instructors, aviation educators, commercial drone operators, engineers, STEM educators, photographers, surveyors, public safety professionals, military veterans with UAS experience, and others with relevant instructional or technical experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided drones, batteries, controllers, flight simulators, Chromebooks, tablets, curriculum resources, lesson plans, FAA educational materials, and other instructional resources, where available.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, proof of FAA certification (where applicable), or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.