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Drone Embedded Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Embedded Software Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $280K/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 ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

... drone solutions that deliver critical situational awareness and protection in challenging conditions. Responsibilities * Design, develop, and maintain full-stack embedded software for drones, ground ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

... drone solutions that deliver critical situational awareness and protection in challenging conditions. Responsibilities * Design, develop, and maintain full-stack embedded software for drones, ground ...

Zipline

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... From deploying embedded software to devices across the world, fault response and handling ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 is a drone embedded software engineer?

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.

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 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 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.

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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:

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Drone Embedded Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Embedded Software job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Implement and improve low-level processor functions such as controls of peripherals and setup of communication interfaces.

  • Implement and improve functions such as closed loop control of physical processes and detection/response algorithms for failures.

  • Write scrappy code to support development testing of avionics and propulsion devices.

Job description

Description
As an Embedded Software Engineer your core responsibility will be to write code that runs on custom avionics hardware for executing flight and ground test functions. You will work with avionics hardware engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and others to develop performant and maintainable solutions. You will have the opportunity to contribute to many aspects of spacecraft development, including architecting new systems, doing quick prototypes, doing rigorous flight projects, and controlling flight hardware during ground tests. 

Responsibilities
  • Implement and improve low-level processor functions such as controls of peripherals, and setup of communication interfaces. 
  • Implement and improve functions such as closed loop control of physical processes, and detection/response algorithms for failures such as broken sensors or radiation upsets. 
  • Provide technical input on new system developments from an embedded software perspective. 
  • Write scrappy code to support development testing of avionics and propulsion devices. 
  • Write rigorous, reviewed, and tested code to support manufacturing and flight. 

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; 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 Skills and Experience
  • Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and source-level debuggers to troubleshoot problems at all layers of the stack. 
  • 2+ years of demonstrated knowledge of and experience with communication protocols including I2C, CAN, SPI, UART, etc. 
  • 2+ years of demonstrated knowledge of microprocessors and microcontrollers, with an understanding of components such as caches, buses, memory controllers, and DMA. 
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience developing low-level drivers for camera modules (e.g., MIPI CSI-2, USB, SPI, I2C). 
  • Understanding of sensor communication protocols and interfacing with custom or commercial image sensors. 
  • Experience interfacing with motor drivers, power electronics, and sensor feedback systems, including encoders and current sensors. 

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.