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Drone Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DeAngelo Contracting Services

Drone Spray Technician

Dallas, TX · On-site

$17 - $21.75/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 ...

Experis

Drone Support Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$30/hr

As a Drone Support Engineer II, you will be part of the Research and Development department supporting cutting-edge safety-related technology projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong ...

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 ...

DeAngelo Contracting Services

Drone Spray Technician

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$15.75 - $20/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 ...

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 ...

DeAngelo Contracting Services

Drone Spray Technician

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$15.75 - $20/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 ...

Quanta 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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How much do drone development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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, location, and specific skills such as UAV design, programming, or systems integration. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries.

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.

Is drone engineering a good career?

Drone engineering is a growing field that involves designing, developing, and testing unmanned aerial systems, requiring skills in aerodynamics, electronics, and programming. It offers opportunities in industries such as defense, agriculture, and delivery services, often requiring specialized certifications and knowledge of relevant tools like CAD software. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology and innovation, with increasing demand for skilled professionals.

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 obtaining certifications or training in UAV technology if possible.

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 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.

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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 Innovation Center Manager

Drone Innovation Center Manager

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Full Sail University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

If you're looking for the chance to learn, grow, and make a contribution to the community, look at employment opportunities with Full Sail University. You'll find your choice of career opportunities, great benefits, an environment that welcomes and values creativity, and a work experience that is both challenging and rewarding!
The Drone Innovation Center Manager is responsible for leading the operations, programming, and strategic development of Full Sail University's Drone Innovation Center. This position sits within the Emerging Technologies team, reports to the Executive Director of Emerging Technologies, and collaborates closely with faculty, academic leadership, industry partners, and cross-functional student teams to deliver an exceptional, hands-on learning environment. The Manager will oversee all aspects of facility operations, curriculum related projects, team leadership, and technology integration, ensuring the Center remains at the forefront of drone innovation in higher education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee daily operations of the Drone Innovation Center, including the following spaces: Advanced Airspace, Engineering & Manufacturing, Simulation & Programming, Communications, Remote Operations, and the Situation Room.
  • Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership across degree programs, including Simulation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Live Event Production, and other programs, to develop and implement drone-focused projects and experiences that align with program curriculum and learning outcomes.
  • Develop concepts, strategies, and project plans with clearly defined objectives, milestones, and deliverables for drone programming, competitions, demonstrations, and research initiatives.
  • Manage a multidisciplinary team that may include engineers, student assistants, and third-party contractors to design and execute high-quality drone projects and educational experiences.
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging drone technologies, tools, software platforms, and workflows to keep the Center's capabilities current and cutting-edge.
  • Plan and manage drone events, races, tournaments, live demonstrations, and other public-facing activities hosted at or in partnership with the Center.
  • Support and advise the Full Sail Drone Club, fostering student engagement and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Maintain and enforce safety protocols, FAA regulations, and university policies governing drone operation within the facility.
  • Manage inventory, maintenance schedules, and procurement of drones, components, and facility equipment.
  • Maintain and expand professional knowledge through ongoing training, certifications, and participation in industry events related to unmanned aerial systems (UAS), autonomous navigation, and drone technology.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment that encourages experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Other Responsibilities:
  • Adheres to the policies and procedures of Full Sail University.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality of student and company information.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
  • Adheres to company attendance standards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: ☒YES
If YES, then the below applies in addition to those listed in Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • May oversee Federal Work Study students associated with the Spatial Computing Innovation Lab.
  • Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in their department.
  • Oversees the schedules and responsibilities of staff in their department.
  • Provides constructive and timely staff performance evaluations.
  • Follows established guidelines for employee disciplinary action as determined by Full Sail policies and procedures.

Competencies
  • Proven track record of managing technical facilities, programs, or cross-functional teams.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills with an ability to mentor both staff and students.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with experience engaging students, faculty, executives, industry partners, and the public.
  • Creative thinker with a passion for technology-driven innovation in education.
  • Comfortable operating, troubleshooting, and teaching with a wide range of drone hardware and software platforms.
  • Agile and adaptable in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
  • Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and events.
  • Professional demeanor with a focus on service, safety, reliability, and excellence.
  • Commitment to maintaining a collaborative and inclusive facility culture.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong safety mindset.
  • Ability to interact professionally and constructively with students and staff at all levels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Education and/or Experience
The ideal candidate is an organized, technically skilled professional with hands-on experience in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drone engineering or operations, project management, and team coordination. They bring a balance of operational rigor, creative vision, and a genuine enthusiasm for immersive, technology-driven education. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Simulation Engineering, Game Development, Digital Media, or a related field is required. Equivalent professional experience in drone operations, UAS program management, or a related discipline will be considered.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire)
• Additional UAS certifications or advanced FAA credentials a plus
Computer/Equipment Skills
• Strong understanding of drone hardware platforms, flight controllers, and autonomous navigation systems.
• Proficiency with drone simulation software (e.g., VelociDrone or similar platforms).
• Experience with 3D printing, electronics assembly, or drone frame manufacturing preferred.
• Familiarity with AI, computer vision, and programming as applied to drone systems.
• Comfortable with live streaming, AV systems, and multimedia production tools as relevant to the Communications and Situation Room spaces.
Environmental Factors/Physical Demands
Work is performed in both an office and active facility environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly interact with drone hardware, flight zones, manufacturing equipment, and AV systems. The employee must have the ability to maintain active communication with students, staff, and partners; access, input, and retrieve information from computer systems; and respond quickly in a dynamic lab setting. Subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, and lifting up to thirty (30) pounds.
Full Sail is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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