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Drone Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role supports R&D initiatives focused on developing and testing advanced drone and aerial delivery technologies. * The candidate will perform mission planning, drone operations, data collection ...

Our client, an innovative leader in research and development within the aerospace and technology sectors, is seeking a Drone Operator to join their team. As a Drone Operator, you will be part of the ...

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Drone R&D Test Pilot

Vineyard, UT · On-site

$60K - $105K/yr

Drone R&D Test Pilot We are seeking a highly skilled and safety-conscious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test Pilot to lead developmental flight test operations for next-generation UAS platforms. This ...

... development (Not required, but useful), (Unity, Unreal, Godot) Qualifications: Technical Skills: Proficiency with a computer and using design software to create digital media Ability to create ...

Drone Spray Technician

Muncie, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Employees receive generous compensation packages, employee engagement events & career development ... Perform drone spray applications in an industrial environment * Operate in full compliance with FAA ...

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Drone Development information

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$29K

$55.8K

$92K

How much do drone development jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone development in the United States is $55,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Drone Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Drone Development, you need expertise in robotics, aeronautical engineering, and programming, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, embedded systems, and flight control platforms like PX4 or ArduPilot is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Part 107 (for commercial drone operations) in some regions. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and successful project completion. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, building, and optimizing advanced drone systems that meet industry standards and client needs.

What are some common challenges faced when working in drone development, and how do teams typically address them?

Professionals in drone development often encounter challenges such as integrating complex hardware and software systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining safety standards. Teams typically address these by adopting agile development practices, holding frequent cross-disciplinary meetings, and staying up to date with the latest regulations. Collaboration between engineers, software developers, and compliance specialists is essential to ensure all aspects of the drone—such as flight stability, data security, and legal requirements—are addressed throughout the development process.

What is drone development?

Drone development refers to the design, creation, and programming of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. This field encompasses both hardware engineering, such as building drone frames and integrating sensors, and software development, including flight control systems and autonomous navigation algorithms. Drone developers work in various industries, including agriculture, delivery services, photography, and defense, to create innovative solutions tailored to specific applications.

What is the difference between Drone Development vs Drone Software Engineering?

AspectDrone DevelopmentDrone Software Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and testing drone hardware and systemsDeveloping, testing, and maintaining software for drones
Required SkillsElectronics, mechanical design, embedded systemsProgramming, algorithms, software architecture
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, prototyping facilitiesSoftware development environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsElectronics certifications, UAV licensesSoftware development certifications, coding bootcamps

Drone Development involves creating the physical hardware and systems of drones, focusing on design and testing. Drone Software Engineering centers on developing the software that runs on drones, including programming and system integration. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and certifications, making them distinct yet interconnected careers in the drone industry.

More about Drone Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Development jobs? Cities with the most Drone Development job openings:
What states have the most Drone Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drone Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 2% Physical, and 98% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,773 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

UAS/Drone Business Development - Account Manager

Intertek

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Intertek rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

UAS/Drone Business Development -Account Manager

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to many of the world's top-recognized brands and companies, is actively seeking a Business Development Representative to join our Asset Integrity Management (AIM) team in Houston, to promote our UAS/Drone business. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your already successful career in the Drone Industry.

Intertek's Asset Integrity Management (AIM) team provides asset life management support to infrastructure, facilities, and equipment through the conception, design, construction, commissioning, operations, and decommissioning phases. Intertek provides specialists and engineering support in all areas of Asset Integrity Management, including design, process safety, mechanical integrity, inspection and maintenance, operational and process support, corrosion, metallurgy, and risk analysis to provide you with Total Quality Assurance. Intertek is continually innovating and evolving to reduce risk for consumers, brands and organizations in every sector and industry around the world. We go beyond Testing, Inspection and Certification of products: we are a Total Quality Assurance Provider to industries worldwide. Our Purpose: Bringing quality, safety, and sustainability to life.

What are we looking for?

The UAS/Drone Business Development & Account Manager is a Senior Sales Role responsible for expanding Intertek's advanced inspection business by identifying, developing, and managing strategic customer relationships. This role focuses on driving growth across Intertek's AISS portfolio by planning and executing targeted business development strategies, building recurring revenue streams, and positioning Intertek as a trusted provider of advanced inspection technologies.

This individual will promote and deliver value-driven solutions including Drone Inspections, Emissions Surveys, Dimensional Engineering, 3D Metrology, and Robotics-based inspection services to both existing and prospective clients. The role requires strong commercial acumen, technical understanding, and the ability to engage senior decision-makers to support asset integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position will travel at least 50 % of the time, and there may me some international travel, as well...

Shift/Schedule: Regular Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, local time

Salary & Benefits Information

In addition to a competitive compensation package, including commissions for this role, you can expect benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, generous vacation / sick time (PTO), tuition reimbursement and more. 

What you'll do:

  • Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to grow Intertek's AISS drone inspection, Emissions Surveys, and 3D metrology offerings as valueadded, datadriven services.
  • Identify and pursue new market opportunities while expanding existing client relationships.
  • Present and negotiate advanced inspection solutions at both executive and technical levels.
  • Build long-term, trusted partnerships that generate recurring revenue and negotiate global MSAs.
  • Understand customer operational challenges and translate them into short- and long-term inspection solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with AISS technical teams to:
  • Align proposed solutions with customer needs
  • Identify opportunities for service enhancements and new product development
  • Support proposal development and technical presentations
  • Maintain accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reporting, and account plans. Achieve quarterly and annual sales targets, with a focus on margin discipline and recurring contracts.
  • Represent Intertek at industry events, client meetings, and technical discussions as needed.

This position outline is a general guideline and does not represent all encompassing details. The position assumes that the incumbent has both the mental and physical requirements to carry out the above defined duties. 

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:

  • Some college education required
  • 8 to 10 years relevant experience required, with a well cultivated and established track record
  • Ability to travel locally, and internationally, at times...
  • Valid driver's license and reliable driving record is required
  • Proven experience in business development, account management, or technical sales within drone inspections, industrial services, or related sectors.
    • Knowledge of O&G and UAV project requirements, acquisition, and budget processes. 
  • Strong understanding of asset integrity, compliance, and inspection frameworks.
  • Experience selling or supporting services such as:
    • Drone or remote inspection technologies in the O&G and Offshore Industries
    • Emissions monitoring or environmental surveys
    • 3D Metrology, dimensional inspection, or digital inspection services
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage complex sales cycles and deliver results in a fastmoving environment.

Preferred Requirements & Qualifications:

  • Experience in asset integrity, NDT, industrial inspection, or compliance-driven industries.
  • Familiarity with UAV Projects, robotics, automation, or digital inspection technologies.
  • Existing industry network within energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, or industrial sectors.

Intertek: Total Quality. Assured.

Intertek is a world leader in the Quality Assurance market, with a proven, high-quality business model and a global network of customer-focused operations and highly engaged subject matter experts. With passion, pace, and precision we work to exceed our customers' expectations, while engaging with our employees to be 10X in their performance and professional growth.

Intertek is a drug-free workplace. As a condition of employment, certain positions may be required to pass a pre-employment drug test based on the type of work that will be performed.

We Value Diversity

Intertek's network of phenomenal people are our greatest assets, and the diversity they bring fuels our success. Intertek is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that values inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request accommodation, or who need assistance applying, please email hr.eeo@intertek.com or call 1-877-694-8543 (option #5) to speak with a member of the HR Department.

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*Intertek does not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies and will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.      


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