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Drone Engineering Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Survey Party Chief

Garner, NC · On-site

  • Medical

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  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you'll work with cuttingedge ... Become Drone Certified for TOPO * Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and ...

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 ...

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 21-27

Drone Engineering information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$31.6K

$61.2K

$92.8K

How much do drone engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone engineering in Raleigh, NC is $61,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,700.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges drone engineers face when integrating new technologies into unmanned aerial systems?

Drone engineers often encounter challenges when incorporating new technologies, such as ensuring seamless compatibility between hardware and software components, maintaining flight stability, and meeting regulatory requirements. Additionally, engineers must carefully manage power consumption and weight to optimize flight time and payload capacity. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including software developers and regulatory specialists, is essential to address these complexities and deliver innovative, reliable drone solutions.

What is drone engineering?

Drone engineering is the field focused on the design, development, testing, and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. Professionals in this area combine expertise in aeronautics, electronics, robotics, and software to create drones for various applications such as aerial photography, delivery services, agriculture, and surveillance. Drone engineers work on improving flight stability, control systems, payload integration, and autonomous capabilities. The field continues to grow rapidly with advancements in technology and expanding commercial and industrial use cases.

What is the difference between Drone Engineering vs Drone Pilot?

AspectDrone EngineeringDrone Pilot
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drone design and systemsFAA drone pilot certification, flight experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D centersOn-site or remote flight operations, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageDeveloping drone hardware/software, system integrationOperating drones for filming, surveying, inspections

Drone Engineering focuses on designing and developing drone systems, requiring technical engineering skills and certifications. In contrast, Drone Pilots operate drones in the field, emphasizing flight skills and certifications. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but serve different functions based on expertise and work environment.

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 or electrical engineering, robotics, and programming, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, embedded systems, UAV simulation tools, and certifications like Part 107 for commercial drone operation are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, innovative, and efficient design, development, and deployment of drone systems in various industries.

What are popular job titles related to Drone Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Drone Engineering job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,219 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Land Survey Crew Chief

Pennoni

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Pennoni rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Land Survey Crew Chief
Pennoni is seeking an experienced Survey Party Chief to join our field surveying operations in the Raleigh, NC area. In this role, you will be Responsible for the daily operation of a survey crew on a wide range of land surveying projects (geodetic, boundary, topographic, and construction staking).
Primary Responsibilities
As a Survey Crew Chief, you will manage all field operations on assigned projects, ensure proper surveying procedures are followed, obtain accurate data collection, efficient field operations, clear documentation, and adherence to project specifications. This position requires strong field leadership, technical survey knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in outdoor environments across varying site conditions.
Your duties will include:
  • Lead Field Operations: Direct a survey crew in surveys for boundary, topographic, construction, and engineering land surveying projects.
  • Technical Proficiency: The ability to operate and maintain total stations, data collectors, GPS systems, and robotic instruments.
  • Data Collection: Gather field data using diverse methods, including conventional, robotic, Global Positioning System (GPS), and aerial/drone technology.
  • Equipment Management: Adjust and calibrate surveying instruments such as prisms, total stations, auto-levels, and electronic distance-measuring equipment.
  • Documentation: Prepare detailed field notes and sketches to support complex survey calculations, i.e., field notes, sketches, and calculations typically associated with leveling, traversing, drainage structure inventories, construction layout, as-built surveys, boundary surveys, and cross-section surveys.
  • Team Leadership: Instruct and train crew members (up to 2 people) on proper surveying methods, demonstrate proper equipment usage and maintenance procedures, and ensure adherence to all required field safety procedures.
  • Quality Control: Perform on-site computations and rigorous QA/QC checks to ensure accuracy.
  • Field Mobility: Safely operate ATVs, UTVs, or similar vehicles as required by project site conditions.
  • Customer Excellence: Deliver high-quality work products that reflect Pennoni's commitment to superior customer service.

Basic Requirements
  • Education: High School Diploma (or equivalent).
  • Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in Land Surveying and/or Construction.
  • Compliance: Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record (required for field-based roles).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Leadership: Proven experience leading a field crew is strongly preferred.
  • Credentials: Completion of relevant Surveying training; active Survey credentials (LSIT or similar) are a plus.
  • Advanced Tech: Experience with Leica Geosystems (HW/SW), Trimble Geospatial (HW/SW), Robotic Total Stations (RTS), and Faro High-Definition Laser Scanning (HDLS) equipment.
  • Digital Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and GIS applications.
  • Soft Skills: Strong analytical and mathematical abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a self-motivated environment.

What Pennoni employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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About Pennoni

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1966