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Drone Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

RAYMOND

Building Envelope Consultant - QAO

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Communicate deficiencies to contractor representatives and coordinate with project engineers for ... Drone Operator License required for candidates performing drone inspections. * Strong attention to ...

Raymond

Building Envelope Consultant - QAO

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

We are a progressive, forward-thinking architecture and engineering consulting firm with over 30 ... Drone Operator License required for candidates performing drone inspections. * Strong attention to ...

JPI

Production Lead

Durham, NC

$18 - $25/hr

... drone deploy, opens space, argyle, etc...), Specific safety plans and enforcement, RFI drafts ... This reporting tool will keep Property Developers and Stakeholders informed about the status of the ...

Pennoni

Land Survey Crew Chief

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Direct a survey crew in surveys for boundary, topographic, construction, and engineering land ... GPS), and aerial/drone technology. * Equipment Management: Adjust and calibrate surveying ...

Pennoni

Land Survey Crew Chief

Raleigh, NC

Direct a survey crew in surveys for boundary, topographic, construction, and engineering land ... GPS), and aerial/drone technology. * Equipment Management: Adjust and calibrate surveying ...

Ecorobotix

Customer Success Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Lead bug triage with the engineering team via GitLab, prioritize weekly with the CTO, and close the ... Conduct field activities: drone visits, soil analysis support, sensor installation, and integration ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrone Engineer JobsDrone Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Drone Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$54

$78

How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone engineer in Raleigh, NC is $54.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.04 and $72.45 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 popular job titles related to Drone Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Drone Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Drone Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Drone Engineer job openings:

Drone Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,205 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Traffic Project Engineer I

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 452 rated engineering

Job description


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.
Position summary: Responsible for traffic engineering design using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute and coordinate assignments with limited supervision. This position involves a solid mix of electrical, civil, and systems engineering principles.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Traffic signal and roadway lighting design, including CAD and field work
  • ITS, signal interconnection, and emerging traffic technology design
  • Signal timing at a corridor level, including field-based fine tuning and implementation
  • Support of traffic safety projects and other Smart Mobility projects
  • Signal cabinet wiring and signal controller programming
  • Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects/tasks
  • Perform design computations
  • Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools
  • Develop or review the construction cost estimate
  • Prepare and compile contract plans, specifications and estimates
  • Attend meetings with clients and assist taking meeting minutes
  • Coordinate with other disciplines and understand how they fit into the project and design
  • Quality review of project design in accordance with the Project Management Plan
  • Technical oversight and guidance/support of Traffic Design Engineers within department

Nonessential functions and responsibilities
  • sUAS (drone) piloting
  • Research and studies

Required Skills
  • Proficient in discipline specific design software
  • An ability to communicate clearly and professionally in written and spoken form with a variety of clients across the Southeastern US without the assistance of AI
  • Current US state driver's license and an ability to drive
  • Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening

Required Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, systems, or civil engineering or a related field from an ABET accredited engineering program
  • 5-10 years' experience in specialized discipline
  • Active professional engineers (PE) license (for civil engineering candidates).
  • Active EIT certification is acceptable for non-civil candidates, provided the ability to obtain both a NC and SC PE license within 6 months of hire

Preferred Experience
  • IMSA Signal Technician Level II
  • A love of challenge and adventure
  • Traffic or traffic signal experience
  • IT, telecom, or AI experience
  • Ability to code and script using current languages and a strong foundation in logic-based systems
  • Networking competency, including TCP/IP topology, routing/switching, & related troubleshooting
  • Secondary written and spoken language fluency is a plus

Working Conditions
Work is performed within a general office environment 75% of the time but may involve up to 25% field work. Work is generally sedentary in nature but will require regular standing, walking, lifting, and opening field equipment. Some work will also be performed within a technical lab, working with live electrical components and circuitry. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.
Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside and/or roadside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Field work is required on occasion before and after normal working hours and in low-light conditions. Some lifting (up to 50 lbs) may be required as needed.
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 any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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