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Drone Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

Scout AI

Drone Operator

Paso Robles, CA

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

The Role We're hiring a Drone Operator to join our Mission Operations team at our test site in Paso ... Provide clear, structured feedback to engineers on system performance, failure modes, and edge ...

Northstar Energy Services

Drone Pilot

Midland, TX · On-site

PWR) company, is based in Channelview, TX and provides engineering, design, procurement ... The Drone Pilot will travel regularly to active project sites in the West Texas area, coordinate ...

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Drone Engineering information

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$32.5K

$63K

$95.5K

How much do drone engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 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.

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 drone applications expand.

What type of engineers work on drones?

Drone engineering involves various types of engineers, including aerospace engineers who design and develop drone hardware, electrical engineers who work on the drone's electronic systems, and software engineers who create flight control and navigation software. These professionals often collaborate and require knowledge of aerodynamics, embedded systems, and programming tools like CAD and simulation software.

What is the highest paying drone job?

The highest paying drone jobs typically include drone pilot for aerial surveying, mapping, or inspection services, especially in industries like oil and gas, construction, or cinematography. These roles often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience, with salaries reaching six figures for senior or specialized positions. High-paying roles also involve managing large projects or operating in hazardous environments.

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, and why are they important?

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.
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Drone Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Senior Manager, Automation Engineering - Drone Delivery Partner Manager

Senior Manager, Automation Engineering - Drone Delivery Partner Manager

Walmart

Farmington, AR • On-site

$110K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,811 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...
The Drone Delivery team is seeking a highly motivated and execution-focused Senior Manager, Automation Engineering– Drone Delivery Partner Manager to lead to lead operational excellence, performance management, and day‑to‑day execution for a drone delivery service provider.  

This role ensures your assigned partner delivers reliable operations, adheres to Walmart’s operational and safety standards, and supports program goals around scaling, quality, and readiness. 
You will work closely with drone team stakeholders for product, launch and expansion, operations, safety, communications, and marketing to ensure your partner executes consistently, meets KPIs, and is ready to support expansion milestones tied to Walmart's enterprise‑embedded drone delivery strategy. 

This position is based at our main corporate campus in Bentonville, Arkansas, and we have an excellent relocation package to help you get here! 

 Job Description 
  • Own day‑to‑day operations and performance for a drone delivery partner, ensuring adherence to Walmart SOPs, playbooks, and standards. 
  • Monitor partner KPIs (delivery success, uptime, safety, customer outcomes) and lead recurring performance reviews using standardized program dashboards and governance inputs. 
  • Support partner readiness for new site launches and market expansions, coordinating alignment with the site selection, market entry, and site launch playbooks. 
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to escalate risks, resolve operational blockers, and align partner execution to roadmaps. 
  • Communicate partner updates, risks, and dependencies across enterprise mechanisms to ensure alignment with the program’s enterprise‑embedded operating model. 
  • Build strong operational relationships with partner leadership, translating Walmart requirements into clear expectations and driving continuous improvement across reliability, cost, and customer experience. 

 What you’ll bring…  
  • Experience managing a vendor or operational partner where you were accountable for performance outcomes. 
  • Strong communication and relationship‑management skills, with an ability to influence without authority. 
  • Proven capability in operations, logistics, transportation, or last‑mile execution. 
  • Ability to interpret metrics, diagnose performance issues, and drive continuous improvement. 
  • Comfort owning responsibilities in a fast‑paced, rapidly scaling environment. 

 At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and 4 years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area. Option 2: 6
years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area.
2 years’ supervisory experience.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Masters: Computer EngineeringPrimary Location...702 Sw 8Th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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