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Drone Embedded Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydio, Inc

Senior Software Engineer - Embedded

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$170K - $277K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$107 - $145/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Embedded Software Engineer Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876 Job ID: 114921 DRS RADA ... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ...

Seneca

Software Engineer (Embedded)

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer where you'll drive ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer where you'll drive ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD

$107K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Embedded Software Engineer where you'll drive ...

RED CAT HOLDINGS

Associate Embedded Engineer

Torrance, CA

$137K - $180K/yr

... embedded software projects. In this role, you will assist with implementing and validating new ... Drone / UAS Experience * Real-time systems / RTOS * POSIX / Multithreaded Application Experience

Brinc Drones Inc

Software Engineer, Embedded

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... controllers, robotic drone nests, and a variety of support equipment & accessories. Key ... Experience developing software for embedded radio systems * Experience developing software for ...

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All JobsDrone Embedded Software Jobs

Drone Embedded Software information

See salary details

$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do drone embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 August 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.

Senior Software Engineer - Embedded

Skydio, Inc

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$170K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the team:
  • Our team is responsible for large portions of the software engineering stack, working on a wide variety of subsystems. We write bare metal and RTOS microcontroller code (stm32 product line), integrate and write code for embedded linux and android platforms (Qualcomm and Nvidia SOCs), maintain the associated linux kernels, and help design and bring up all new electronics.
  • We work closely with both the hardware team and the rest of the software organization, creating the foundation for the rest of the Skydio software team to build upon.

About the role:
Reliable embedded firmware acts as the brain stem of our autonomous drones and the foundation for the growing accessory product line -- bridging the gap between the algorithms and the sensors/mechanical hardware. As a senior Skydio embedded software engineer, you will have the opportunity to architect, build out and lead the development of both current and future products in a fast-paced environment.
How you'll make an impact:
  • Provide technical direction and architecture of complex systems
  • Design and implement the embedded software that runs on the vehicle
  • Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. next-gen camera, radio)
  • Bring up and debug new hardware
  • Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and other devices

What makes you a good fit:
  • Ability to write modern C++ in a real-time embedded environment
  • Python development experience
  • Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries
  • SOC development (Qualcomm devices a plus), embedded microcontrollers, camera drivers
  • Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device
  • Embedded linux userspace and kernel development
  • Fundamental knowledge of low-level firmware
  • Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization
  • Knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level
  • Embedded security and cryptographic firmware development

Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - 277,500*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company's policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

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