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Drone Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed ... Reverse engineering experience (e.g. gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Developed software on mobile ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and compliance with ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and compliance with ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

Droneshield

Proposal Specialist (US)

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address ... You will collaborate closely with sales, engineering, legal, finance, and executive stakeholders.

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA

This role involves overseeing all drone operations, training programs, and compliance with ... engineering teams to inform design objectives and improvements Qualifications & Experience:

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Drone Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$52

$81

How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone developer in Virginia is $52.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.05 and $64.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 various industries with competitive salaries. As drone technology advances, demand for skilled developers is expected to increase.

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 the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Developer jobs in Virginia? For Drone Developer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Developer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Developer jobs in Virginia are:
Drone Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Developer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,962 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Deputy Engineering Leader - Tysons, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Deputy Engineering Leader to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, it systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
  • Leading complex technical discussions, projects, and/or programs.
  • Validating world class technical solutions on projects.
  • Ensuring engineering best practices are followed across multiple engineering and solution disciplines.
  • Managing technical risk on a project.
  • Providing oversight, direction, and technical expertise to engineering teams on a project.
  • Preparing client-specific physical security technology solutions including cutting edge credential technology, AI vision systems, drone and drone interdiction systems, access control, intrusion detection, video management systems, and complex integrations.
  • Driving the development and maintenance of project artifacts from the requirements capture stage through the launch of new technology.
  • Identifying, recommending, and implementing work process improvements.
  • Reviewing technical project details with project leadership.
  • Managing the integration of data from multiple systems and analyzing the data to draw insights on project technical solutions.

Qualifications
Education/Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ year's recent experience in the construction industry with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, 3+ year's recentexperience in the construction industry with a Master's Degree in Engineering.
  • Detailed, motivated, self-starter; must be able to work independently and lead in a team environment.
  • Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
    • Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000, Lenel OnGuard, Honeywell Prowatch, AMAG.
    • Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect, Genetec, Lenel Video management.
    • Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar, Southwest Microwave, SightLogix.
    • Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, HID, WIDS.
  • Familiarity with design/administration tools such as REVIT, Bluebeam, Autocad, ACC, Procore.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server, Windows 11 and general networking.
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
  • Familiarity with Cyber security requirements.
  • Familiarity with inside plant and outside plant telecom requirements.
  • Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
  • Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
  • Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Design: background in design and engineering of mission critical facilities. Skill in calculations for electrical construction
  • Build: interest in the manufacture of modular builds for electrical construction
  • Delivery: serving as onsite liaison, overseeing installation, testing, & commission of electrical construction
  • PE License: willingness to obtain Professional Engineer license highly preferred
  • Software: Revit MEP, Navisworks, Bluebeam, MS Office, ETAP/SKM, AGI32, etc. highly preferred

What we offer:
  • A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
  • An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
  • Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $104,240.00 - USD $143,330.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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