1

Drone Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Oversee the State Air Mobility Working Group and Air Mobility Task Force concerning the adoption and implementation of AAM statewide; o Co-Lead with TDOT Engineering Division the TDOT drone quarterly ...

Memphis Promotional Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

... via drone delivery services. Through various partnerships with restaurants, retailers and convenience services, our programming will take place at various storefronts, farmers markets and other ...

Project Engineer

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Project Engineer - 1 Location: Clarksville, TN Compensation: | $45-$50/h | Per Diem: $4,515 ... drone deployment, vendor and project management, and general staff augmentation. Their approach ...

Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been ... The Flight Monitor will be responsible for real-time monitoring of drone flights, ensuring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Drone Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$50

$73

How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone engineer in Tennessee is $50.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.44 and $67.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How do you become a drone engineer?

To become a drone engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with drone design, programming, and systems integration, along with proficiency in tools like CAD software and knowledge of flight control systems, is also important. Certifications in UAV operation or engineering can enhance 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 benefits from certifications or specialized training. The profession offers opportunities in industries such as defense, agriculture, and logistics, with a demand for technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Drone Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Drone Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Drone Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,704 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Reliability Engineer (Data Driven Operations)

Nashville, TN • On-site

FOCUSPOINT
Business Management Consulting • 1 - 10 employees

$99K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position: Reliability Engineer (Data Driven Operations)
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Nashville, TN

FOCUSPOINT's client is seeking a Data Analyst - Insights with a strong foundation in data analytics to transform operational data into actionable strategies that enhance safety, reliability, and performance across company assets.

This role focuses on monitoring and analyzing data from multiple sources like PISAPPCMS, wireless sensors, and other in order to identify trends, anomalies, and potential risks. The analyst collaborates with subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders across refineries to ensure timely communication and resolution of issues that impact safety, reliability, and performance.

Job Responsibilities:

Data Monitoring & Analysis

  • Review dashboards, alerts, and reports from different systems and data sources like PI, SAP, PCMS, and other data sources. Automate the alerts, dashboards, or reports where possible.
  • Employ analytics, trending, and pattern recognition techniques to detect anomalies, deviations, or early failure indicators on processing equipment.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and validate findings using historical and real-time data.
  • Flag operational risks and escalate critical issues through established workflows.
  • In the near future work with AI models to aid in data anlysis and anomaly detection.

Risk Identification & Communication

  • Highlight potential risks related to asset health, process safety, and operational efficiency.
  • Create clear reports, dashboards, and visualizations for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support development of alerts and KPIs for proactive decision-making.
  • Collaborate with data engineers and platform teams to improve data quality and availability.

Collaboration & Reporting

  • Partner with othe teams such as operations, reliability, maintenance, and process engineering teams to interpret insights and validate risks.
  • Document findings and recommendations.
  • Provide actionable intelligence.
  • Recommend improvements in data collection, monitoring strategy, and predictive maintenance programs.

Success Metrics

  • Reduction in unplanned downtime and PSM incidents.
  • Improved anomaly detection accuracy and response time.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Supporting the Drone Program (an option)
  • Conduct remote visual inspections using the drones in the refineries.

Required Qualifications – Education, Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Process or Mechanical Engineering.
  • A least 5 years work experience in Industrial Processing Plant (Oil & Gas refinery preferred), where understanding of how different process variables and different processing equipment interact with each other is a key element of your role.
  • Proven ability to interprete complex datasets from multiple sources and identify patterns or correlations leading to predictive insights. Can use varoius statistical anlaysis methods such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Regression Analysis.
  • Excellent communication skills for translating technical insights into business language and for communication with the staekholders.
  • Tools & Platforms
    • Familiarity with PI System (OSIsoft), SAP, PCMS, wireless sensor and other platforms as applicable where raw data are collected.
    • Proficiency in Power BI, Excel, and basic scripting (SQL/Python a plus).
    • Collaboration tools (Teams, ServiceNow).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with AI models and using AI to aid data analysis and anomaly detection.
  • Part 107 license to fly a drone is an advantage.

How to Apply

To ensure confidentiality and alignment with our client’s hiring process, all applications must be submitted through FocusPoint. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly. Interested candidates should reach out to FocusPoint’s recruitment team with any questions.
Why Work with Us?

As a trusted staffing partner to industry-leading companies, we provide access to roles that align with your professional goals, and we advocate for your success throughout the recruitment process. Our team understands appropriate skillsets and takes a consultative approach—ensuring that each match is grounded in both experience and fit.

About FOCUSPOINT:
FOCUSPOINT specializes in connecting top-tier professionals with exceptional opportunities in accounting, technology, healthcare, and leadership. We prioritize building meaningful connections, ensuring candidates find roles that align with their skills, goals, and passions.