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Drone Embedded Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

XTEND

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Develop, maintain, and improve embedded software and firmware for autonomous drone systems using C, with occasional support using C++ and Python. Hardware / Software Integration * Work directly with ...

Flock Safety

Embedded Software Engineer II

$115K - $140K/yr

The Opportunity Flock is looking to add an Embedded Software Engineer to our Platform Team. This ... Write clean, efficient C/C++ code optimized for resource-constrained hardware and real-time drone ...

Impulse Space

Embedded Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

OR 2+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree * 1+ years' writing C/C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, or spacecraft) Preferred ...

Skydio, Inc

Software Engineer - Embedded

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$127K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... As a senior Skydio embedded software engineer, you will have the opportunity to architect, build ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

... drone delivery, self-driving cars, urban air mobility, and augmented reality. The $260B annual GNSS ... The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ...

Seneca

Software Engineer (Embedded)

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

... in embedded software design and development * Demonstrated competency in Object Oriented ... drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using ...

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Drone Embedded Software information

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$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do drone embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone embedded software in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Drone Embedded Software engineer typically collaborate with hardware and flight operations teams?

Drone Embedded Software engineers work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and drone components, such as sensors and flight controllers. Regular communication with flight operations teams is essential to gather feedback on drone performance and troubleshoot any issues discovered during test flights. This collaborative environment helps accelerate development, improve reliability, and ensures that software updates align well with evolving hardware and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Drone Embedded Software vs Drone Firmware Developer?

AspectDrone Embedded SoftwareDrone Firmware Developer
CredentialsKnowledge of embedded systems, programming languages (C/C++), electronicsSimilar credentials, often with embedded systems experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing software for drone hardwareDeveloping low-level firmware for drone controllers
Industry UsageUsed across drone manufacturing and R&DPrimarily in hardware-focused drone companies
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in drone software developmentFocusing on firmware-specific tasks in drones

Drone Embedded Software and Drone Firmware Developer roles overlap significantly, both requiring embedded systems knowledge and working within the drone industry. The main difference lies in scope: embedded software covers a broader range of software applications within drones, while firmware developers focus specifically on low-level hardware control. Both roles are essential for drone development and often share similar qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drone Embedded Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Embedded Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, proficiency in C/C++, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems. Familiarity with tools such as Git, JTAG debuggers, and communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART), as well as knowledge of drone-specific hardware platforms, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable, efficient, and safe drone operation, which is critical for both performance and regulatory compliance.

What are drone embedded software engineers?

Drone embedded software engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the software that runs directly on the hardware of drones. This software controls essential functions such as flight control, navigation, communication, and sensor integration. Embedded software is optimized for real-time performance and reliability, often written in languages like C or C++. These engineers work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient operation of drones in various applications, from aerial photography to industrial inspections.
More about Drone Embedded Software jobs
What cities are hiring for Drone Embedded Software jobs? Cities with the most Drone Embedded Software job openings:
What states have the most Drone Embedded Software jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Embedded Software jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Embedded Software jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Embedded Software jobs are:
Drone Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Embedded Software job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

XTEND

Tampa, FL • On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems.
This role focuses on hands-on embedded software and firmware development for tactical UAS platforms, including low-level driver development, hardware/software integration, communication interfaces, and embedded system debugging. The engineer will work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable, and field-ready drone systems.
Main Responsibilities
Embedded Software & Firmware Development
  • Develop, maintain, and improve embedded software and firmware for autonomous drone systems using C, with occasional support using C++ and Python.

Hardware / Software Integration
  • Work directly with hardware components, embedded processors, co-processors, sensors, payload interfaces, and peripheral devices to ensure reliable system-level integration.

Low-Level Driver Development
  • Develop and support low-level drivers and communication interfaces, including I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, and other embedded hardware protocols.

Microcontroller Development
  • Support embedded development on STM ARM microcontroller-based platforms, including firmware implementation, debugging, and hardware bring-up.

System Integration Support
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams during prototype development, system integration, and production troubleshooting.

Debugging & Troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot firmware, hardware, PCB, and interface-level issues using engineering tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and schematics.

Core Operating System Support
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of XTEND's embedded software architecture and core operating environment for drone and payload systems.

Testing & Validation
  • Support bench testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, system integration testing, and field validation of embedded systems.

Documentation
  • Develop and maintain embedded software documentation, interface descriptions, test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and integration notes.

Requirements
Education - B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Experience - 3+ years of hands-on experience in embedded software or firmware development.
Embedded Programming - Strong experience developing embedded software in C.
Hardware Integration - Experience debugging and integrating software directly on hardware platforms.
Communication Protocols - Experience implementing or troubleshooting embedded communication protocols such as I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, or similar interfaces.
Microcontrollers - Experience working with STM ARM microcontrollers or similar embedded processor platforms.
Debugging Tools - Proficiency using oscilloscopes and other bench-level debugging tools to troubleshoot embedded systems, PCBs, and hardware interfaces.
Schematics & Board-Level Understanding - Ability to read schematics, understand board-level design intent, and support hardware/software troubleshooting.
Hands-On Engineering - Comfortable working directly with hardware, prototypes, production systems, and fielded equipment.
Team Collaboration - Strong communication skills with the ability to work across embedded software, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, production, and field support teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with C++ and/or Python.
  • Experience with Linux kernel development or embedded Linux environments.
  • Familiarity with ROS2.
  • Experience using Git or similar software configuration management tools.
  • Experience with drone systems, robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace systems, or defense-related products.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds, production environments, or fielded hardware systems.
  • Familiarity with real-time systems, sensor integration, payload control, or communication modules.

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