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Drone Development Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Tex-Air Drone

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Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM Position Overview This ... development. We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... in land development, transportation, infrastructure, and more. * Assist in producing clear ...

Kimley-Horn

Survey Drone Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Overview Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Drone Pilot to join our growing team in Fort Worth ... in land development, transportation, infrastructure, and more. * Assist in producing clear ...

Socket.dev

CV/ML Engineering Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Contribute directly to development and optimization of computer vision algorithms for real-time drone detection, tracking, and classification. * Own delivery commitments for the CV/ML stack ...

Socket.dev

Firmware Engineer

Leander, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Familiarity with drone/UAV systems, real-time operating systems, or embedded development. * Experience at a high-growth startup or technology company with strong engineering practices. * Experience ...

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Dallas, TX · Remote

... development, and improving safety for both officers and communities. At the same time, counter-drone technology is rapidly becoming critical security infrastructure for modern communities. From ...

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Dallas, TX · On-site

... development, and improving safety for both officers and communities. At the same time, counter-drone technology is rapidly becoming critical security infrastructure for modern communities. From ...

Arch Aerial LLC

Junior GIS Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

... drone-captured data for our clients. About the Role The GIS Technician will play a key role in ... This is an entry-level position with immediate opportunities for training and career development.

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Drone Development information

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 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 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 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.

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 simulation tools is essential, along with understanding aerodynamics and sensor integration. Earning relevant certifications or degrees in robotics, aerospace engineering, or computer science can also enhance your qualifications.

Is drone development a good career?

Drone development is a growing field that involves designing and building unmanned aerial systems, requiring skills in engineering, programming, and electronics. It offers opportunities in industries such as agriculture, defense, and delivery services, with demand for qualified professionals increasing as drone technology advances. Certification in relevant areas and knowledge of regulations can enhance career prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Development jobs in Texas?

For Drone Development jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Development jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Development jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Drone Development jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Drone Development job openings:

Drone Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Development job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Tex-Air Drone

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description

Drone Pilot & Data Specialist

Travel: Regular travel across TX, OK, and NM


Position Overview

This is a hybrid field-and-office role—not strictly a flying job.

As a Drone Pilot & Data Specialist, you will split your time between operating commercial drones in the field and managing, processing, and delivering technical data at a workstation. We need someone with strong technical aptitude, mechanical awareness, and meticulous attention to detail who takes pride in both precision flight and clean data management.


Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Flight Operations

  • Safely deploy professional mapping, inspection, and agricultural drones in line with FAA regulations and company SOPs.
  • Conduct preflight planning, airspace reviews, site risk assessments, and weather checks.
  • Set up RTK base stations, GNSS rovers, ground control points (GCPs), and field support equipment.
  • Capture high-quality data across multiple modalities: photogrammetry, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, and oblique imagery.
  • Assist with agricultural spraying operations (training/licensing provided).
  • Maintain accurate flight logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety checklists.


Data Processing & Quality Control

  • Download, organize, back up, and manage large datasets using standardized file structures.
  • Process imagery and spatial data into orthomosaics, 3D point clouds, digital twins, and thermal reports.
  • Perform rigorous quality control checks (coverage, overlap, visual clarity, positioning accuracy) before client delivery.
  • Upload project deliverables to cloud platforms and client portals.
  • Continuously learn and adapt to new mapping, GIS, and processing software.


What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Computer & Technical Skills: High proficiency with Windows systems, file management, cloud storage, and learning new software quickly.
  • Work Ethic & Mindset: Detail-oriented, self-motivated, safety-conscious, and able to work independently in the field.
  • Physical & Travel Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to travel/overnight as needed; comfortable working outdoors in varying Texas weather conditions; ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Screening: Must pass background, driving record, and drug screenings.

Preferred Experience & Certifications:

  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
  • Experience operating DJI enterprise or agricultural platforms.
  • Background in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS, CAD, surveying, precision ag, or remote sensing.
  • Experience with software like PIX4D, DJI Terra, ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, or ROCK Cloud.
  • Texas Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (or agricultural spraying experience).

Schedule & Working Conditions

Field ops are driven by weather, crop cycles, and project timelines. You should expect a flexible schedule that occasionally includes early mornings, late afternoons, or overnight trips. This is a fully in-person role based in Amarillo, TX.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. Updated Resume
  2. Brief cover letter highlighting your experience with drones, computers, GIS/CAD, ag, or construction.
  3. List of current certifications/licenses.
  4. Your target compensation and start availability.

Tex-Air Drone LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

About Us
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Tex-Air Drone LLC delivers high-precision aerial and terrestrial data for agriculture, construction, energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure. Our work spans everything from agricultural spraying and multispectral imaging to thermal inspections, LiDAR, and 3D digital-twin development.
We are seeking a dependable, tech-savvy professional to join our team and build a long-term career in the fast-growing geospatial and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.