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Drone Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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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Drone Engineering information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$37K

$71.7K

$108.7K

How much do drone engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone engineering in Seattle, WA is $71,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do drone engineers make?

Drone engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in aerodynamics, electronics, and programming can lead to higher salaries, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.

Is drone engineering a good career?

Drone engineering is a growing field that involves designing, developing, and maintaining unmanned aerial systems, often requiring skills in aeronautics, electronics, and software. It offers opportunities in industries such as defense, agriculture, and delivery services, with a demand for specialized knowledge and certifications. The career can be rewarding for those interested in technology and innovation, with potential for advancement as the industry expands.

What type of drone engineers work on drones?

Drone engineers typically include aerospace engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers who design, develop, and test drone systems. They often have skills in aerodynamics, embedded systems, and software programming, and may work with tools like CAD software and flight control systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Drone Engineering jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Drone Engineering job openings:

Drone Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Engineering job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,670 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Innovation & Design Engineer, Prime Air Drone Delivery Operations

Amazon

Seattle, WA • On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

How do you get items to customers quickly, cost-effectively, and-most importantly-safely, in less than an hour. And how do you do it in a way that can scale. Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been working hard to do just that.

We are delivering to customers and are excited for what's to come. If you are seeking an iterative environment where you can drive innovation, apply state-of-the-art technologies to solve real world delivery challenges, and provide benefits to customers, Prime Air is the place for you. Come work on the Amazon Prime Air Team.

Check out more information about Prime Air on the About Amazon blog: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/tag/drone
Amazon Prime Air is revolutionizing delivery through autonomous drone technology, aiming to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. Our breakthrough technologies, including advanced BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities and sophisticated detect-and-avoid systems, have earned FAA approvals and are setting new standards in autonomous delivery.
We're looking for an Innovation & Design Engineer to lead the development of our drone delivery operations site designs. You'll have the opportunity to integrate across cross-functional teams spanning drone engineering, maintenance, operations, and site construction

You'll own the mechanical and electrical design of certain operational equipment as well as the overall site layout. Your designs will be driven by a wide range of requirements from drone engineering, maintenance, operations, construction, health and safety, and more. You'll work to meet key metrics for cost, throughput, and schedule, while balancing the various requirements.

You'll learn from our current operational sites and leverage that to define our next generation of drone delivery operations sites as we grow bigger and better.
Key job responsibilities
This role will require occasional travel (10-20%) to support site launches and learn from existing operational sites.

What Amazon employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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