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Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thomas & Hutton

Drone Project Surveyor

Savannah, GA · On-site

... engineering teams, and grow within a company celebrated as a Best Place to Work. If you're ... drone pilots on FAA regulations, operational best practices, and safety protocols • Maintain ...

Industrial Access, Inc.

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

Thomas & Hutton

Drone Project Surveyor

Savannah, GA

... engineering teams, and grow within a company celebrated as a Best Place to Work. If you're ... drone pilots on FAA regulations, operational best practices, and safety protocols • Maintain ...

Industrial Access

UAV/Drone Pilot

Cumming, GA

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently searching for a UAV/Drone Pilot to support project and engineering teams with inspection, data gathering and assessment activities. The ideal candidate will be local to our offices ...

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How much do drone developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 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.

How much do NFL drone pilots make?

NFL drone pilots typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and the complexity of the drone operations. They often require specialized skills in drone technology, FAA certifications, and the ability to operate in live event environments.

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 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.

What is the 400 foot rule for drones?

The 400 foot rule for drones states that recreational and commercial drone pilots must keep their aircraft within 400 feet of the ground or their point of takeoff unless they have specific authorization. Drone developers and operators should incorporate altitude awareness and geofencing features to ensure compliance with this regulation, which is enforced by the FAA in many regions.

What is the 120m rule for drones?

The 120-meter rule for drones states that recreational and commercial drone pilots must keep their aircraft within 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above ground level unless they have specific authorization. This regulation helps ensure safe operation and prevent interference with manned aircraft, and drone developers often incorporate altitude limit features into their software to comply with this rule.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Full Time, and 76% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,905 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

I-Drone Operator (Pilot)

Acuren Inspection, Inc.

West Boylston, MA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is currently recruiting for a Drone Operators for various locations to support operations.

Responsibilities
  • Organize and report test results
  • Perform specialized inspections
  • May instruct and supervise others
  • Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by management
Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively perform assigned NDT tasks and interpret results of inspections
  • Knowledge of Drone equipment
Company Overview

 

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

Employment Type: OTHER

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