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Drone Engineer Jobs in Sandy, UT (NOW HIRING)

FLIR Systems, Inc.

Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Job Summary Teledyne FLIR is looking for an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This person must be a detail oriented, self-directed individual, and be able to operate ...

Teledyne

Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

Teledyne FLIR is looking for an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This person must be a detail oriented, self-directed individual, and be able to operate with a high ...

Teal Drones

Software Engineer, QGC

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Software Engineer, QGC# Software Engineer, QGCSLC, UT 84115## Description## **Position Summary ... MAVLink & Drone Communication*** Implement and debug MAVLink message handling, routing, and ...

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All JobsDrone Engineer JobsDrone Engineer Jobs in Sandy, UT

Drone Engineer information

See Sandy, UT salary details

$12

$53

$76

How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone engineer in Sandy, UT is $53.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.12 and $70.82 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.
Drone Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in Sandy, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,670 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

Orem, UT • On-site

Teledyne FLIR LLC
IT Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Teledyne FLIR LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Be visionary
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.
We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.
Job Description
At Teledyne FLIR - Orem, we design and manufacture high-quality drones to carry the best sensors into the toughest environments. Our extensive history includes working alongside organizations including U.S. Army, Marines, and US DOD Special Operations Community. We embrace cutting edge innovative technologies and design concepts to bring new capabilities to our warfighters. As an original equipment manufacturer of Drones (UAS), we are at the forefront of new American engineering and manufacturing technologies.
The foundation of our company is the drive to build superior UAS through engineering excellence. You can expect diverse challenges that will require you to be agile and innovative in your work. You can also expect to be on a small team that strives to meet these challenges together. UAS development and the UAS market is still young and constantly changing. Your work will be varied and innovative by nature.
Job Summary:
Teledyne FLIR is looking for an engineering professional to conduct drone developmental testing. This person must be a detail oriented, self-directed individual, and be able to operate with a high degree of autonomy. This person will develop and execute test programs associated with both fielded and developmental military drones. We expect this person to have previous experience with test activities. This person must be able to commute daily to Orem, Utah for onsite work.
The ideal candidate combines technical flight knowledge with hands-on engineering intuition, and has deep familiarity with Pixhawk flight stacks, test protocols, and airspace coordination. You will work alongside developmental engineers, autonomy developers, and program leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and insightful flight testing in both controlled and expeditionary environments
This is not a drone operator role-it's a systems-level test pilot position intended for a professional who understands the why behind every airframe maneuver and the how of translating test flights into actionable design improvements.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Plan, execute, and log complex test flights for UAV platforms in early-stage development.
  • Conduct pre-flight risk assessments, test card reviews, range safety coordination, and airworthiness validation.
  • Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi-autonomous missions, with rapid decision-making authority in-flight.
  • Work closely with engineering teams to develop test plans that validate novel sensors, software behaviors, or custom airframes
  • Translate pilot feedback into system updates-particularly around control algorithms, tuning, and mission execution.
  • Capture flight data and provide debriefs, performance evaluations, and design feedback loops to avionics and autonomy teams.
  • Lead tuning, troubleshooting, and integration of Pixhawk-based platforms; modify parameters for different airframes, mission types, and test objectives.
  • Manage payload integration, telemetry systems, and remote GCS (Ground Control Station) operation.
  • Use companion tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or custom GCS interfaces.
  • Experience with configuring and installing components: motors, props, ESC, batteries, etc

Job Qualifications:
  • BS in ME, EE, CE or similar field - or equivalent engineering experience and mind set
  • FAA part 107 qualified or equivalent pilot rating a plus
  • Familiar with computer programming and software development methods
  • 5+ years of UAV flight experience, with a strong record of safe and autonomous flight operations.
  • 2+ years of experience supporting UAS R&D programs (DOD, academia, commercial prototype environments).

Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee or must be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.
#FLIR
Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

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