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Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emerald Staffing

Drone Operator

Medford, OR

$36 - $41/hr

Collaborate with engineers, field teams, and stakeholders to plan missions, define data ... drone-based infrastructure or utility inspections Experience inspecting transmission and/or ...

Live Events

Drone Pilot

New Castle, PA

About Pyrotecnico For more than a century, Pyrotecnico has been engineering moments of celebration ... We are the people and the pride behind world-class fireworks displays, breathtaking drone light ...

Kiewit

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geomatics, Engineering, or related field preferred * Experience with drone tools * Working knowledge of survey equipment and techniques (GPS, total stations) * Strong ...

Bear Country Inc

Drone Show Designer

Caledonia, WI · On-site

Summary: Northern Lights Drone Shows is seeking a Drone Show Designer that's excited to bring ... Associate degree or equivalent coursework in computer science, engineering, game design/animation ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams to support product development. * Ensure ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... Provide clear, structured feedback to engineers on system performance, failure modes, and edge ...

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drone Developer position, 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.

Is drone engineering a good career?

Drone engineering is a growing field that involves designing, developing, and maintaining unmanned aerial systems, often requiring skills in aeronautics, electronics, and programming. It offers opportunities in industries such as agriculture, surveillance, and delivery services, with demand for qualified professionals increasing as drone technology advances. Career prospects can be strong for those with relevant technical skills and certifications in areas like robotics or aerospace engineering.

How to become a drone developer?

To become a drone developer, you should have a strong foundation in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, and knowledge of embedded systems and robotics. Gaining experience with drone hardware, flight control software, and relevant tools like ROS or PX4 is essential, along with understanding aerodynamics and electronics. Pursuing a degree in computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering and obtaining certifications in UAV technology can also enhance your qualifications.

How much does a drone engineer make?

A drone engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills such as UAV design, programming, or sensor integration. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized knowledge can earn higher wages.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include roles such as drone pilot for aerial surveying, mapping, or cinematography, especially in industries like oil and gas, construction, or film production. These positions often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. High-level roles may also involve drone fleet management or drone program management, which tend to offer higher compensation due to increased responsibility.

What is a Drone Developer job?

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.

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Drone Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,905 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Geomatics Field Engineer - Drone Pilot

Geomatics Field Engineer - Drone Pilot

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

McCarthy Building Companies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Drone Operations Pilot is responsible for the planning, execution, and management of all drone flight operations on assigned projects. This includes mission planning, UAV operation, aerial data acquisition, equipment maintenance, and preliminary data processing. The Drone Operations Pilot will coordinate closely with survey crews, project management teams, and engineering staff to ensure aerial datasets meet project requirements and integrate properly with survey control, design models, and GIS systems. This role reports to the Geomatics Manager, who provides operational direction, technical support, and professional development. The Drone Operations Pilot plays a critical role in delivering high-quality aerial datasets that support project planning, construction progress tracking, site analysis, and as-built documentation.
 
This is a full-time, site-based position that requires extensive travel to locations that may span the Southern Region. Travel subsistence and additional incentives provided per company guidelines.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety & Quality
  • Ensure adherence to all company safety policies and procedures
  • Maintain compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and airspace authorization requirements 
  • Conduct pre-flight planning, safety briefings, and risk assessments for all UAV missions 
  • Maintain flight logs, aircraft documentation, and operational records 
  • Ensure safe UAV operations around construction equipment, personnel, and project infrastructure
Drone Operations & Aerial Data Acquisition
  • Plan and execute UAV flight missions for topographic mapping, LiDAR scanning, orthomosaic generation, and site monitoring 
  • Operate UAV platforms equipped with LiDAR, photogrammetry, thermal, infrared, and multispectral sensors 
  • Establish and utilize ground control points (GCPs) and check points to ensure survey-grade accuracy 
  • Conduct aerial surveys to support earthwork analysis, site progress documentation, stockpile measurement, and terrain modeling 
  • Coordinate flight operations with project management and field crews to minimize disruption to construction activities
  • Perform UAV equipment inspection, calibration, maintenance, and firmware updates
  • Coordinate with Geomatics, Operations, and Design teams to ensure aerial data supports project needs
  • Participate in project coordination meetings and planning discussions
  • Work with Geomatics leadership to improve UAV workflows, processing standards, and operational procedures
  • Participate in internal training and technical development programs
  • Support development of scalable drone workflows across projects
QUALIFICATIONS
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required)
  • 2+ years experience operating UAVs in commercial, survey, or construction environments
  • Experience with photogrammetry and/or LiDAR drone systems
  • Familiarity with Autodesk Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Agisoft, Global Mapper or similar processing software (Preferred)
  • Experience with GNSS survey equipment and ground control workflows (Preferred)
  • Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with project teams
  • Developmentally minded with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Knowledge of construction and engineering project workflows is beneficial
  • Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks as required by the job.
McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.

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About McCarthy Building

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McCarthy Building, headquartered in Saint Louis, MO, US, is a leading construction company primarily offering general contracting, design-build and construction management services throughout the United States. Its prominent industry presence can be explored in detail on its official website, mccarthy.com. Founded in 1864, the company has built a robust legacy marked by significant contributions to the U.S. construction industry. McCarthy Building engages a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1864

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