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Drone Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Drone Pilot, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient execution of complex drone ... A degree or diploma in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Aviation, Geomatics, Engineering, or a ...

About Pyrotecnico For more than a century, Pyrotecnico has been engineering moments of celebration ... We are the people and the pride behind world-class fireworks displays, breathtaking drone light ...

Summary: Northern Lights Drone Shows is seeking a Drone Show Designer that's excited to bring ... Associate degree or equivalent coursework in computer science, engineering, game design/animation ...

Field Drone Technician

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams to support product development. * Ensure ... Stay current with evolving drone technologies, FAA rule changes, and industry trends. Required ...

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Drone Engineer information

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$12

$55

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How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 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.

More about Drone Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Drone Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Engineer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Drone Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Drone Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Drone Piloting Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

Dover, DE • On-site

$50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Drone Piloting Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Middle and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide drone piloting and aviation enrichment services for students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, available drones, classroom resources, flight space, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, instructional resources, project ideas, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

Some assignments may introduce students to concepts related to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Programs are educational in nature and are not intended to guarantee certification or examination outcomes.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and aviation sessions;

• Introduce students to drone flight fundamentals, aviation concepts, safety procedures, and responsible drone operation through hands-on learning activities;

• Adapt instruction based on student experience levels, site requirements, available equipment, and program objectives;

• Guide students through flight exercises, mission planning, problem-solving activities, and introductory FAA Part 107 concepts, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, technology, emergency, student-protection, and drone operation procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Drone components, controls, and pre-flight inspections;

• Safe and responsible drone operation;

• Basic flight maneuvers, navigation, and control techniques;

• Flight planning, airspace awareness, and weather considerations;

• FAA regulations and introductory Part 107 concepts, where appropriate;

• Drone applications in photography, mapping, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, engineering, and other industries;

• Mission-based challenges, teamwork, and problem-solving activities; and

• Careers in aviation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and related STEM fields.

Specific curriculum, drone platforms, flight activities, available equipment, and instructional requirements vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Experience operating drones and knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS);

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate preferred for many assignments; some assignments may specifically require current certification;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Ability to demonstrate safe drone operation while fostering critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and student engagement.

Preferred backgrounds may include FAA-certified remote pilots, drone instructors, aviation educators, commercial drone operators, engineers, STEM educators, photographers, surveyors, public safety professionals, military veterans with UAS experience, and others with relevant instructional or technical experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided drones, batteries, controllers, flight simulators, Chromebooks, tablets, curriculum resources, lesson plans, FAA educational materials, and other instructional resources, where available.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, proof of FAA certification (where applicable), or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.