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Drone Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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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Correspond with engineering and build teams as needed * Other Duties as Assigned and vary depending ... Licensed Drone operator, Preferred but not required * Excellent ability to read and comprehend ...

Showing results 41-45

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:

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.

Bridge Inspection Team Leader

Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the NC bridge inspection program and coordinate all phases of inspection assignments.

  • Perform NBIS element-level condition inspections of various bridges and structures, document their condition, and prepare inspection reports.

  • Assist with planning, preparing, and coordinating inspections, communicate field observations to NCDOT, and mentor assistant inspection team members.


Job description

At Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP, we are "People Focused and Project Driven". We have been in business for more than 110 years and we are known for our quality work and developing quality employee careers. We are seeking the very best and most talented to join our team - help us take on challenges, develop vision solutions, and innovate and design the infrastructure of the future that will transform the world!

We are looking for an experienced Bridge Inspection Team Leader to join our team in our Raleigh, NC office. In this role, the engineer will assist in the management of the NC bridge inspection program and perform NBIS element-level condition inspections of State-owned bridges, municipal bridges, and ancillary transportation-related structures for NCDOT, other State DOT agencies, and/or municipal localities.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include planning, preparing, and coordinating the inspections, documenting the condition of the inspected structure, preparing inspection reports, performing structural analysis or load ratings, and performing quality control of inspection reports prepared by others. In addition, this role will include assisting with the management of the inspection program in NC involving all phases of the assignments, serving as the point of contact with NCDOT to communicate field observations and progress, coordinating with inspection equipment and traffic control vendors, and mentoring assistant inspection team members.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program
  • 5 – 10 years of experience performing NBIS level bridge inspections with notable NCDOT bridge inspection experience
  • NHI-130055 certification (Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges), or equivalent
  • P.E., registered in the state of North Carolina or ability to become registered through comity from another state within 6 months.
  • WIGINS experience
  • Valid US driver’s license and experience operating bucket trucks, manlifts, or under-bridge inspection vehicles
  • Ability to work safely at heights, over water, and in traffic-controlled environments.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office products
  • Strong organizational and writing skills
  • Willing to travel/perform field work using various equipment throughout NC and other states WRA performs inspections (DE, MD, PA, TX, VA, WV)

Desired Requirements:

  • NHI-130053 certification (Bridge Inspection Refresher Training) if NHI-130055 certification is more than 5 years old
  • NHI-130078 certification (Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTM)
  • SNBI experience
  • Structural analysis, load rating, and/or design experience
  • Familiarity with Bentley products and structural analysis tools
  • FAA Part 107 drone certification
  • Experience with GIS applications

Physical Requirements (Essential Functions):

This position requires the ability to perform a variety of physical tasks in the field as part of the essential job functions. Duties may include:

  • Walking and navigating across rough or uneven terrain such as mud, rocks, grass, dirt, steep hillsides, heavily wooded areas, and other unpaved surfaces
  • Moving around active project sites, which may involve climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, or poles
  • Performing physical activities such as bending, twisting, kneeling, and climbing
  • Driving to and from project sites as required.
  • Must be able to function safely in an environment with potential risks, including, but not limited to those described in this document.

The work environment may include exposure to a range of environmental conditions, including high and low temperatures, precipitation, and other outdoor elements. Work may also be performed in noisy conditions or confined/enclosed spaces.

Benefits:

WRA recognizes that employees play an important role in its success. Our commitment to full-time employees is reflected in the comprehensive benefits package we offer: 

  • Flexible work schedule options including alternative remote and in office workplace options 
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience 
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) leave accrual with maximum carry over of unused hours not to exceed 200 hours and payment for all hours over 200, 
  • Paid holidays
  • Excellent Healthcare benefits including partial employer paid premiums 
  • Employer paid Group Life Insurance, as well as additional employee purchased optional life insurance
  • Employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care reimbursement
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Parental and maternity leave benefits
  • Bi-annual merit evaluations & salary adjustment considerations  

WRA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. WRA will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity. (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

  Position # 3230

*** No accepting resumes from 3rd party recruiters for this position ***

#LI - Onsite    #LI - Mid Level