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Drone Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX

We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

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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 Jun 22, 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.

How much does a drone engineer make?

A drone engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Skilled engineers with expertise in aerodynamics, electronics, and software development are in high demand in the industry.

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, often requiring advanced certifications and experience. These positions can offer six-figure salaries, especially in industries like construction, energy, or film production where specialized skills and equipment are needed.

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.

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 a background in electrical engineering or computer science. Certifications in robotics or UAV operation can also enhance your qualifications.

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.

How much do drone designers make?

Drone designers, also known as UAV or drone engineers, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in aerodynamics, electronics, or software development can earn higher salaries.

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
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What states have the most Drone Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Development jobs are:
Drone Development jobs near you

Drone Spray Technician

DeAngelo Contracting Services

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

DeAngelo Contracting Services rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 218 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Company Description

DCS is a family owned and operated business with treating all employees like family at the core of our values. Our employees provide innovative, safe, and high-quality infrastructure/maintenance contracting services to State DOTs, railroads, and other commercial/residential customers across the entire United States. Employees receive generous compensation packages, employee engagement events & career development programs, just to name a few of the perks of being part of the DCS family!

To provide quality service, we need top-of-the-line employees. That is why we offer great compensation, awesome benefits, and a work environment worth bragging about! 

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

  • Perform drone spray applications in an industrial environment
  • Operate in full compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and internal safety guidelines
  • Provide demonstrations to customers as requested
  • Work on eventual launch into DCS field operations which will require substantial travel throughout the US based upon customer acceptance of program
  • Conduct routine drone maintenance, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure optimal drone performance
  • Evaluate job sites for flight feasibility, safety risks, and operational efficiency.
  • Maintain professional communications with customers and other stakeholders

Drone Operation Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience in operating drones, particularly in agricultural or chemical application roles.
  • Proficiency with drone control software and flight planning tools.
  • Capability to perform comprehensive pre-flight inspections, plan flight paths, and conduct missions safely and efficiently.
  • Familiarity with equipment calibration, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting processes.
Qualifications

Additional Skills & Attributes:

  • Exceptional attention to detail, especially regarding safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Interest in research & development and creating processes
  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to new technologies and methodologies.
  • Spray experience is preferred

Licenses & Certifications:

  • Possess a FAA Part 107 Commercial Remote Pilot License or be able to pass the exam within 1 month of hire.
  • When applying herbicides, the pilot also typically needs an FAA Part 137 certificate, which is for agricultural aircraft operations.  DeAngelo Contracting Services currently has this certificate in place
  • A Commercial Applicator's License is preferred (company-provided training is available if not currently certified).  Multi state licensing will be eventually required for commercial applications.

Physical & Driving Requirements:

  • Hold a valid driver's license with at least 5 years of clean driving history.
  • Ability to travel up to 3 weeks at a time as well as operate a truck with trailer.
  • Ability to lift between 50-60 pounds.

Pay rate will be dependent upon applicant background and experience. 

Additional Information

DeAngelo Contracting Services offers competitive benefit packages to all employees. This includes but is not limited to, company sponsored medical, dental, vision & life insurance policies, per diems for time spent away from home, Paid time off, paid holidays and significant amounts of career development opportunities just to name a few! 

Come be a part of the DeAngelo family, today! 

DCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all hiring and employment regulations. In the event an ADA accommodation is needed, DCS is happy to help all employees achieve gainful employment in an atmosphere where they are appreciated and respected. DCS offers subcontracting services to government agencies as such, candidates may be subject to pre employment screenings such as criminal background checks, pre-employment, post-accident & reasonable impairment drug screenings, motor vehicle record checks, etc. as such, DCS complies with all federal and state regulatory guidelines including the FCRA.  

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