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Drone Embedded Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

XTEND

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

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 ...

Embedded Shishya

$130K - $195K/yr

# Embedded Software EngineerBright Vision TechnologiesFull-timeVerified RemoteRemoteUSD 130,000 - 195,000Programming6 days ago---## About this roleEmbedded Software Engineer - RemoteBright Vision ...

Impulse Space

Embedded Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... drone, or spacecraft) Preferred Skills and Experience * Experience using oscilloscopes, logic ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

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

Emergent Software

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Our client is seeking a Embedded Software Engineer (Battery Management System) to lead development of a high-voltage BMS platform. This individual will serve as the technical owner for BMS software ...

Emergent Software

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

Our client is seeking a Embedded Software Engineer (Battery Management System) to lead development of a high-voltage BMS platform. This individual will serve as the technical owner for BMS software ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$123K - $151K/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

$123K - $151K/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

Dulles, VA · On-site

$123K - $151K/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 ...

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Drone Embedded Software Engineer information

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$70K

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$174K

How much do drone embedded software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone embedded software engineer 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.

What does a drone embedded software engineer do?

A Drone Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains the software that runs on the embedded systems within drones. They are responsible for programming low-level firmware, integrating sensors and hardware, optimizing real-time performance, and ensuring reliable operation of flight control systems. These engineers work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless communication between the drone’s electronic components and the software. Their work enables drones to perform tasks such as navigation, stabilization, obstacle avoidance, and data collection.

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 strong programming skills in C/C++, a background in embedded systems, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with RTOS, microcontrollers, firmware development, and tools like MATLAB or Simulink, as well as experience with communication protocols and hardware interfaces, are typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills that help in addressing complex integration challenges. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, efficient software that ensures drone performance, safety, and innovation in a highly technical and collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges drone embedded software engineers face when working on flight control systems?

Drone Embedded Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring real-time performance, maintaining system reliability in unpredictable environments, and optimizing code for limited hardware resources. Debugging issues can be complex due to the integration of sensors, actuators, and wireless communication modules that must all interact seamlessly. Additionally, thorough testing is crucial, as software flaws can lead to safety-critical failures during flight, so engineers frequently collaborate with hardware teams and conduct both simulation and real-world testing.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Embedded Software Engineer jobs?

For Drone Embedded Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Embedded Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL • On-site

XTEND
See more jobs at XTENDexternal

$124K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain, and improve embedded software and firmware for autonomous drone systems.

  • Work directly with hardware components, embedded processors, sensors, and peripheral devices to ensure reliable system-level integration.

  • Troubleshoot firmware, hardware, PCB, and interface-level issues using engineering tools.

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 - 5+ 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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