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Drone Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Drone Operator- Surveyor 1

Medford, OR · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role ... Project Coordination Collaborate with utility clients, engineers, asset managers, and field teams ...

Position Summary Acuren is currently recruiting for Drone Operators with Skydio X10 experience to ... engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring ...

OR · On-site

Assistwith field execution of drone flights, data collection, and upload processes as required by construction and engineering teams. * Capture and organize field feedback on technology performance ...

OR · On-site

Assistwith field execution of drone flights, data collection, and upload processes as required by construction and engineering teams. * Capture and organize field feedback on technology performance ...

Senior VDC Engineer

Central Point, OR · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

Leverage drone mapping workflows and datasets to further inform decision making, estimating, and ... Bachelors degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or related field (or ...

Senior VDC Engineer

Central Point, OR · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

Leverage drone mapping workflows and datasets to further inform decision making, estimating, and ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or related field (or ...

Senior VDC Engineer

Central Point, OR · On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Leverage drone mapping workflows and datasets to further inform decision making, estimating, and ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, or related field (or ...

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Title: Restoration Engineer Location: Portland Oregon Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the ... Experience with large wood design, sediment transport analysis, or drone-based field surveying.

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Title: Restoration Engineer Location: Portland Oregon Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the ... Experience with large wood design, sediment transport analysis, or drone-based field surveying.

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Title: Restoration Engineer Location: Portland Oregon Job Type: Regular Full-time Whats the ... Experience with large wood design, sediment transport analysis, or drone-based field surveying.

High volume & bitrate content streams such as those from UHD drone videos or aerial imagery, as ... Server-side Java programming Tomcat, Spring framework & other Java dev environments Micro-services ...

... engineering teams, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate combines strong operational ... Previous experience in teleoperations, robotics operations, AV operations, drone operations, fleet ...

... engineering teams, and client stakeholders. The ideal candidate combines strong operational ... Previous experience in teleoperations, robotics operations, AV operations, drone operations, fleet ...

... drone lidar technology. The candidate must possess and accurately represent a minimum of 5 years' party chief experience. We work with engineers, architects, landscape architects, developers, and ...

Survey Party Chief

Eugene, OR · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

... drone lidar technology. The candidate must possess and accurately represent a minimum of 5 years' party chief experience. We work with engineers, architects, landscape architects, developers, and ...

Drone Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$59

$85

How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone engineer in Oregon is $59.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.45 and $78.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a drone engineer?

To become a drone engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with drone design, programming, and systems integration, along with knowledge of relevant tools and certifications, can improve job prospects.

How much does a drone engineer make?

A drone engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills such as UAV design, programming, or systems integration. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized certifications can earn higher wages.

Is drone engineering a good career?

Drone engineering is a growing field that involves designing, developing, and maintaining unmanned aerial systems. It requires skills in electronics, programming, and aerodynamics, and often involves working with advanced tools and certifications. The career offers opportunities in industries such as defense, agriculture, and delivery services, with demand expected to increase as drone technology advances.

What does a drone engineer do?

A Drone Engineer designs, builds, and maintains unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various applications, including agriculture, defense, logistics, and surveillance. They work on hardware components like propulsion systems, sensors, and flight controllers, as well as software for autonomous navigation and control. Drone Engineers collaborate with other specialists, such as software developers and aerospace engineers, to improve UAV performance and efficiency. Their role also involves testing, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for a drone engineer?

Drone Engineers often start in technical roles focused on design, development, or testing but can progress into senior engineering, project management, or specialized research positions as they gain experience. Many organizations offer opportunities to branch into areas like autonomous systems, software development, or team leadership within the robotics or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) industry. With ongoing advancements in drone technology, there is also potential to move into roles shaping regulatory, safety, or integration standards. Career growth typically depends on your technical expertise, willingness to stay updated with new technologies, and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone engineer?

To thrive as a Drone Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, electronics, and programming—often supported by a specialized engineering degree. Familiarity with design software (like CAD), embedded systems, flight controller platforms, and relevant certifications such as Part 107 (FAA remote pilot license) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and attention to detail help Drone Engineers excel when working on complex projects. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure drone systems are designed, tested, and deployed safely and effectively in real-world applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon? For Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Drone Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Drone Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,135 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Drone Operator - Transmission & Distribution Inspection
Kiewit Power Delivery | Field-Based Role
Position Overview
Kiewit is seeking a skilled Drone Operator to support inspection of overhead transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure for utility and energy projects across the U.S. This role focuses on conducting detailed aerial inspections of power line assets, capturing high-resolution data for condition assessment, and supporting maintenance, reliability, and engineering teams.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience performing UAV-based utility inspections, understands structure and conductor components, and is comfortable working in active utility corridors and construction environments.

Key Responsibilities
Aerial Inspection Operations
Operate UAVs to perform detailed inspections of transmission and distribution systems, including structures, insulators, conductors, hardware, and associated assets.
Power Line Asset Inspection
Capture high-resolution imagery and video (and thermal data, if applicable) to identify defects such as damaged components, corrosion, vegetation encroachment, and clearance issues.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Assessment
Inspect and document vegetation conditions, encroachments, access routes, and environmental constraints along utility corridors.
Data Capture & Quality Assurance
Ensure consistent, repeatable data collection aligned with inspection standards and client requirements, maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
Data Processing & Deliverables
Process and organize inspection data into actionable outputs, including annotated imagery, inspection reports, and geospatial datasets for engineering and asset management teams.
Safety & Compliance
Conduct all UAV operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations, Kiewit safety protocols, and client-specific utility requirements, including energized line considerations.
Project Coordination
Collaborate with utility clients, engineers, asset managers, and field teams to plan inspection missions, define data requirements, and deliver timely results.
Equipment Management
Maintain UAV platforms, sensors (visual and thermal), and support equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable field operations.
Position Overview

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Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance
    Work productively and meet deadlines timely
    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
    FIELD ROLES ONLY May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $75,000/yr - $85,000/yr

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884