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Drone Embedded Software Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Familiarity with software programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab, Python) * Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA

Familiarity with software programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab, Python) * Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end ...

ZeroMark

General Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

Implement algorithms for drone detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation. * Optimize software for real-time performance and resource efficiency in embedded and distributed environments.

Wild West Systems Inc.

Software Enginner

Great Neck, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Software Engineer - Autonomous Weapons & Drone Systems Location: Onsite - Great Neck, NY Type ... Familiarity with drone/UAV systems, real-time operating systems, or embedded development.

W3Global Inc.

GCS/QGC Engineer

Chicago, IL

$90K - $130K/yr

Familiarity with MAVLink protocol and drone/UAV systems * Experience with real-time systems and embedded software development * Background in aerospace, robotics, or unmanned systems * Previous ...

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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 1, 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:
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 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.
Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

SURVICE Engineering Company

Churchville, MD • On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!
Why SURVICE?
Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!
Position
Embedded Systems Software Engineer
  • Location: Churchville, MD
  • Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
  • Salary: $135,000 - $160,000 Depending on Experience and Education
  • Travel: 10%
  • Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary
SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking a Embedded Systems Software Engineer to support growing project interest from sponsors in our sector. The Chesapeake Research Operation focuses on research & development (R&D) and building custom software applications. Software development at this location primarily focuses on drone control applications, though other development opportunities are also available. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Brainstorm, conceptualize, design and prototype new systems and software architectures
  • Research new technologies and software libraries that may be applicable to our product roadmap and vision
  • Support proposal development
  • Analyze and implement solutions for technical design challenges
  • Validate software and system performance through experimentation and refactor

Minimum Qualifications of Embedded Systems Software Engineer
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering or related discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.
  • Experience developing using C/C++, Java, or Python (at least 5 years of experience)
  • Experience with functional Object-Oriented programming and design (at least 5 years of experience)
  • Developing custom applications using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Odroid, Beaglebone, or other embedded systems
  • Well-developed communication skills: verbal, written, and presentation
  • Excellent analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail
  • Enthusiasm to explore new and innovative processes, ideas, and techniques
  • Independent, with minimal supervision
  • Team player with a winning positive attitude

Bonus Skills:
  • Design, analysis, and testing of products and systems
  • Git or other version control systems
  • Extra points for knowledge of GitLab CI/CD pipeline management
  • Converting structures to/from Binary data
  • Network communications
  • Linux or Windows scripting
  • Robot Operating System (ROS)
  • Multi-threaded programming
  • Encryption and OPSEC (ECDSA signatures)
  • Iridium communications (Short Data Burst, RUDICS, etc.)
  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Neural Networks, or computer vision

About Us
SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.
SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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