1

Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drone Developer information

See salary details

$17

$52

$81

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.

More about Drone Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Developer jobs? Cities with the most Drone Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs? The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Developer jobs are:
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.
Drone Pilot

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Quanta Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

NorthStar Energy Services, a Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement, construction and support services to the chemical, petrochemical, pipeline, oil & gas, bulk storage and terminal industries throughout the country. We offer individual project services as well as turnkey EPC project implementation.

NorthStar possesses the skills and expertise to self-perform the design and installation of civil, structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation systems throughout a broad array of industrial applications.

Joining our team means being part of an organization that values drive and inclusion. We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique contributions. We're at the forefront of powering modern life. Discover how your skills and dedication can make a real difference to us.


NorthStar Energy Services is seeking a Drone Pilot & Project Documentation Specialist to support data center construction projects throughout West Texas and surrounding regions.

This role is responsible for capturing aerial imagery and video to document project progress, support client reporting, and provide visual insight into ongoing construction activities. The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate with project teams, and maintain organized project documentation throughout the construction lifecycle.


  • Travel to active data center construction sites to capture aerial photography and video of project progress
  • Operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in compliance with FAA regulations and company policies
  • Document construction milestones, site conditions, equipment installation, and project progress for internal and client reporting
  • Coordinate with project managers, construction managers, and field leadership to schedule site visits and capture key project activities
  • Organize, edit, and maintain photo and video files in accordance with company documentation standards
  • Develop recurring progress reports and visual project updates for clients and leadership teams
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections and maintain drone equipment in safe operating condition
  • Maintain flight logs, airspace authorizations, and required FAA documentation
  • Support special project documentation needs, marketing initiatives, and project closeout activities as requested

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
  • Experience operating drones in construction, industrial, infrastructure, or commercial environments preferred
  • Strong photography and videography skills
  • Experience organizing and managing large volumes of digital project documentation
  • Ability to work independently and manage travel across multiple project locations
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based file management platforms
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
  • Ability to travel extensively throughout West Texas and other project locations as required
  • Experience with DJI Enterprise platforms or similar commercial drone systems
  • Experience with drone mapping, orthomosaic imagery, or photogrammetry softwar
  • Basic video editing and content creation skills

As a Quanta Services employee, we offer a wide range of benefits to fit your needs.

  • 401(k) with immediate matching and vesting
  • Fully comprehensive benefits packages; Medical, Dental, Vision
    • Your choice of PPO, HSA, FSA
  • Short term and long term benefits
  • Employee discounts on consumer goods

#LI-GR1


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.


What Quanta Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom