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Drone Embedded Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded SDE II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$149.60K - $196.90K/yr

Prime Air is seeking an experienced experienced Embedded Software Development Engineer who combines ... Drone. * Perform root cause analysis and implement fixes for complex functional and performance ...

Embedded OS Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT

$120.80K - $158.90K/yr

... our MK2 drone platform (Qualcomm QRB5165). You will be the person who builds the OS, keeps it ... This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical ...

Embedded OS Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT

$120.80K - $158.90K/yr

... our MK2 drone platform (Qualcomm QRB5165). You will be the person who builds the OS, keeps it ... This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical ...

Embedded SDE II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$149.60K - $196.90K/yr

Prime Air is seeking an experienced experienced Software Development Engineer who combines superb ... Drone. - Perform root cause analysis and implement fixes for complex functional and performance ...

Embedded SDE II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$149.60K - $196.90K/yr

Prime Air is seeking an experienced experienced Software Development Engineer who combines superb ... Drone. - Perform root cause analysis and implement fixes for complex functional and performance ...

Embedded SDE II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$149.60K - $196.90K/yr

Prime Air is seeking an experienced experienced Software Development Engineer who combines superb ... Drone. - Perform root cause analysis and implement fixes for complex functional and performance ...

Position Embedded Systems Software Engineer * Location: Churchville, MD * Security Clearance ... Software development at this location primarily focuses on drone control applications, though other ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drone Embedded Software information

See salary details

$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do drone embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Drone Embedded Software job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Software Engineer, Embedded Linux - Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Software Engineer, Embedded Linux - Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

TrellisWare Technologies

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

TrellisWare launched in 2000 with an innovative culture striving to push technological boundaries in the area of wireless communications. We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems that range from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions.
At TrellisWare, we connect passion with purpose and together we make an impact- on our careers, our company, and the world. And you can too. If you love to innovate and collaborate in a dynamic environment where boundaries are being pushed, you belong at TrellisWare. Where the opportunity to serve is not a challenge but a gift. Where you're never going alone. Because there's too much at stake to go solo.
Our Radio Products Team is seeking a hybrid Software Engineer, Embedded Linux - Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. You would be responsible for working on next generation self-networking UAS/Drone based embedded radios for domestic and foreign defense forces. A typical day might start with you working in your personal office designing and implementing embedded Linux user-space applications, third party APIs or defining product customization details. It could move into one of our many state-of-the-art labs with your teammates to bring up your design on physical radio hardware or UAS platform. Enhancing cohesiveness and maintaining team morale is a responsibility of all our team members, as is the ambition for self-improvement and talent development. Through this dedication to unity and professional advancement, each team member is directly impacting the successful outcome of TrellisWare's deliverables and setting the tone for our core values of delivering excellence, pushing boundaries, and empowering people.
The essential duties and responsibilities include:
  • Design, implement, and integrate radio software for an embedded Linux target for UAS embedded solutions (headless applications, servers, and drivers)
  • Perform feasibility studies, and performance analysis of software defined radio embedded Linux components within a UAS platform
  • Interface with common Linux services and protocols
  • Configure or adapt Linux board support packages
  • Document and present design alternatives using standard professional practices and corporate defined engineering processes
  • Develop relationships with team members built on trust and respect.

Education and work experience requirements are:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field of study required.
  • Minimum of four years' experience integrating with embedded Linux and four years of embedded software development experience
  • General proficiency of C++ and Python
  • Two years of experience with Yocto Project or other complex build systems
  • Experience with command and control (C2) links, flight controller integration, and software defined radios
  • Experience with common lab test equipment (i.e. oscilloscope, logic analyzer)
  • Experience with Object-oriented design, data link layer and device drivers as well as ARM based processors

To be considered for this position, you would need to meet, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed here:
  • Proficiency with Embedded Linux subsystems
  • Proficiency with low latency processing, efficient memory management, and efficient inter-process communication mechanisms
  • Experience integrating with open-source headless applications
  • Expert proficiency using C/C++ and Python
  • Experience with network protocols: HTTP/HTTPS, TCP/UDP, SSL/TLS
  • Experience integrating with optimized video encoding protocols
  • Working knowledge of network switches, bridges, and routers
  • Distributed revision control systems and common embedded Linux development tools (i.e. compilers, linkers, and debuggers)
  • You can think on your feet - you are analytical, pay attention to detail and are able to communicate your thought process both written and verbally
  • You can and enjoy working independently as well as in a team environment
  • Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
  • Trustable judgement and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Effective execution and decision making.
  • Champion of change and promotes innovation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with qualified disabilities.
  • Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm's length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk and hear.
  • Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequently required to use office equipment such as PC, printer, telephone, etc.
  • Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional requirements are:
  • U.S. Citizenship.

Note: Many of TrellisWare's positions require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Disclaimer - The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in the job description restricts the company's right to change, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time for any reason.
TrellisWare Technologies pays competitively according to the market in an individual's geographic location, in addition to their qualifications and experience. The posted range is annually and for individuals located in the San Diego, CA area.
San Diego, California Pay Range
$115,000-$185,000 USD
*TrellisWare Technologies, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.*
Check out the Careers page for more information about working at TrellisWare Technologies.