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Drone Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Modern Intelligence

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background ...

HavocAI

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

Havoc

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

Drive Capital

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a ...

Staffingine LLC

Drone Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$109K - $131K/yr

Drone Data Engineer Job Location: Houston, Tx Job Type: Contract * Drone Data Execution Engineer Skydio * Drone Operations Data Execution * Plan execute and optimize drone missions for inspection ...

Mustang Cat

Drone Sales Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

Drone Sales Specialist - Houston Market (Surveying, Civil Engineering & First Responder Solutions) We are seeking a results-driven Drone Sales Specialist with expertise in surveying, civil ...

Maple Aviation

Chief Engineer - Drone and Delivery SystemThe Role We are an innovative aerospace startup seeking a Chief Engineer for our Drone and Delivery System. At Maple Aviation we develop a unique Tail-Sitter ...

Skanska

Engineering Surveyor - Drone

Kent, WA · On-site

As the Engineering Surveyor - Drone, you will: * To be the knowledge lead and technical point of contact for drones/uav use within the project. * To ensure the project is compliant with the ...

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How much do drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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.

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.
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Drone Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Drone Engineer

Austin, TX • On-site

Modern Intelligence
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Modern Intelligenceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Modern Intelligence builds Sovereign, targeting software for unmanned systems. Manufacturers install it on UAVs, USVs, UUVs, and other unmanned vehicles. Sovereign runs on the vehicle’s computer. It detects, classifies, and tracks targets from the onboard cameras, keeps identity when the picture breaks up, and can run terminal guidance into impact. It keeps working when GPS is out and the radio is jammed.

We’ve held Department of War contracts, including work with Air Force Special Operations and SOCOM. 

We’ve raised more than $12 million from Bedrock, Vine, Contrary, Air Street, Caffeinated, Champion Hill, Swell, Myelin, and others.

Details

We are looking for someone who loves building and flying drones. You will be working with many many drones from a wide variety of companies. You will be responsible for keeping a highly heterogeneous fleet of drones up and running, while also playing a key role in integrating and evaluating our autonomy software on new platforms. We expect you to solve any problem that comes up in the drone’s flight controller, the electrical systems, or any physical problem.

We are working with the job title of Drone Engineer, but we are open to using other titles that may be more suitable to the candidate: e.g. Aerospace Engineer (with appropriate background), Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, etc.

Requirements
  • Experience with both fixed wing and copter style drones.
  • Direct experience with ArduPilot or Betaflight.
  • Willingness to relocate to Austin, Texas.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). This role works on export-controlled technology.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with both ArduPilot and Betaflight, including ELRS/CRSF radio links.
  • Experience with less common drone configurations such as tail sitters, VTOL, etc.
  • Experience with UGVs and USVs.
  • Has built their own drones.
  • Experience with CAD and 3D printing.
  • Degree in one of: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering (or equivalent), or Computer Science.
 
Nice to have
  • Experience with PX4.
  • Experience with autonomy.
  • Willingness to travel to Ukraine.
 
Compensation Specifics
  • Final offer depends on demonstrated depth in a systems language and how much of the stack you can pick up quickly.
  • Equity is granted on top of base for every full-time role.
Benefits
  • Full Medical, dental, and vision for you and all members of your family 
  • Flexible PTO
  • Paid Holidays: All federal holidays + last two weeks of the calendar year
  • Paid Parental Leave: 3 Months

We are investing heavily in increasing our ability to fly, test, integrate with, and maintain drones from a wide array of different drone vendors. Although we have experience spread around our company, aside from a pilot, this is the first role we are hiring with this focus.

Strong candidates will have an opportunity to not only shape, but potentially own the team that owns all of our drones and drone development.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.