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Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Sr. Drone Controls Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$84.30K - $111.30K/yr

We are seeking an Sr. Drone Controls Engineer to develop and implement precision aircraft flight control and payload pointing algorithms for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Job Duties ...

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 ...

TSMG

UAS Drone Pilot (Houston)

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a ...

Mach Industries

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA

$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 ...

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 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 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.

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.
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Drone Developer jobs near you

Software Engineer, Drone Systems

Calbuco Consulting

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$140K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Our partner is hiring a Software Engineer to help build the core systems powering our drone platform.

You'll work on software that directly interacts with real-world hardware.

What you'll do
  • Build and maintain core software systems for drone operations
  • Work on backend, infrastructure, or system-level software
  • Collaborate with hardware and embedded teams
  • Support testing, deployment, and real-world performance
  • Iterate quickly based on system feedback
What we're looking for
  • 36 years of software engineering experience
  • Strong backend or systems programming skills
  • Experience working with hardware or real-time systems is a plus
  • Comfortable in fast-moving, early-stage environments
Job Title and Compensation
  • The compensation range for this position is between $140,000 and $230,000, based on full-time employment.
  • Actual salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and work location.
  • Open positions are based on job competencies that are specific to each role. If you are offered a position, the job title may be different from what is advertised to align with the role's competencies and your specific background, experience, and interview results.