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Drone Programming Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Maple Aviation

$120 - $160/hr

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 ...

Zipline

Drone Mechanic

Cleveland, OH · On-site

The drone is only 15% of what we've built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations. Our ... This role works closely with engineering, flight operations, and other teams to solve problems.

Belcan

Field Service Engineer

North Randall, OH · On-site

$37.84/hr

Field Service Engineer Location: North Randall, OH Zip Code: 44128 Start Date: Right Away Pay Rate ... This role will be responsible for troubleshooting drone issues observed within operations and ...

Maple Aviation

$80 - $110/hr

At Maple Aviation we develop a unique Tail‑Sitter Drone, that flies with one propeller only and ... Design and programming of flight control algorithms for automatic and autonomous flight * Model ...

Finstockevarsity

$102.76 - $159.85/hr

... drone technology. Responsibilities * Define, own, and evolve comprehensive end-to-end software ... Proficiency in modern programming languages (C++, Python, Java, or similar) * Deep understanding of ...

Zipline

Drone Mechanic

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$24.25 - $31/hr

This role works closely with engineering, flight operations, and other teams to solve problems. * Adhere to and perform work in accordance with Zipline's Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program ...

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Drone Programming information

See Ohio salary details

$23.8K

$84.6K

$141.7K

How much do drone programming jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone programming in Ohio is $84,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drone programming?

A Drone Programming job involves developing software and algorithms to control drones for various applications, such as aerial photography, mapping, surveillance, or autonomous navigation. Programmers work with flight control systems, sensor integration, computer vision, and communication protocols to enhance drone functionality. This role requires proficiency in languages like Python, C++, and ROS, along with knowledge of robotics and AI.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone programming?

Drone Programming professionals require strong skills in computer programming (such as Python, C++, or ROS), robotics, and UAV systems, often backed by a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a similar field. Familiarity with drone-specific software platforms, flight control systems, and certifications like FAA Part 107 are commonly needed. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills are crucial in this role. These competencies ensure the reliable development, integration, and deployment of drone technologies in complex and dynamic environments.

What are the typical challenges faced when working as a drone programmer?

Drone Programmers often face challenges related to integrating hardware and software, optimizing flight control algorithms, and ensuring robust communication between the drone and ground stations. Adapting code to function reliably in varying weather conditions and environments, while meeting strict safety and regulatory standards, is a frequent aspect of the role. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers, pilots, and regulatory teams is common, requiring adaptability and teamwork. Overcoming these challenges helps professionals develop versatile solutions and excel in dynamic, technology-driven teams.

How much do drone programmers make?

Drone programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled programmers with knowledge of programming languages like Python or C++ and experience with drone hardware can command higher salaries, especially in industries such as defense, agriculture, or surveying.

How to become a drone programmer?

To become a drone programmer, you should have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python or C++, and knowledge of robotics, control systems, and embedded systems. Gaining experience with drone hardware, simulation software, and relevant certifications can also improve job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Programming jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Drone Programming jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Programming jobs in Ohio?

For Drone Programming jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Programming jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Programming jobs in Ohio are:

Drone Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Programming job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,561 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer - Drone and Delivery System

On-site

Maple Aviation
See more jobs at Maple Aviationexternal

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 Drone that flies with one propeller only and is controlled in position via a flap-thrust-vectoring system. Our ambition is to create a highly efficient autonomous drone platform for delivery applications. In this role, you will be the technical owner of the complete aircraft and delivery system. You will lead the engineering direction from prototype to product, ensuring that the airframe, propulsion, flight control, avionics, software, delivery mechanism, safety architecture, and operational requirements work together as one reliable system. You will work closely with the founders, engineering team, operations, assembly, flight test, suppliers, and certification partners.

What you'll do
  • Own the overall technical architecture, system design, and engineering roadmap of the Maple drone and delivery system
  • Lead cross-disciplinary engineering across aircraft design, propulsion, flight control, avionics, embedded systems, payload/delivery mechanism, ground systems, and test infrastructure
  • Translate customer, operational, certification, and business requirements into clear technical requirements and system specifications
  • Drive trade studies on performance, endurance, payload, cost, reliability, maintainability, safety, and manufacturability
  • Lead design reviews, technical risk reviews, failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and engineering decision processes
  • Establish engineering processes for requirements management, interface control, configuration management, verification, validation, and documentation
  • Work with the flight test team to plan test campaigns, analyze results, and close the loop between test data and design improvements
  • Support certification strategy, safety cases, and compliance documentation
  • Mentor and develop engineers while keeping the team focused on technical excellence and fast execution
  • Collaborate with assembly and supply chain to ensure the aircraft can be built, tested, maintained, and scaled reliably
What you bring
  • M.Sc., Dipl.-Ing., PhD, or equivalent experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, UAVs, eVTOL, aircraft systems, robotics, automotive, or other safety-critical hardware/software systems
  • Proven experience leading complex multidisciplinary engineering projects from concept through prototype, test, and productization
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight mechanics, control systems, propulsion, avionics, embedded systems, and system safety
  • Experience with UAS, VTOL, fixed-wing aircraft, delivery drones, autonomous systems, or certification-driven product development is a strong plus
  • Excellent ability to make technical trade-offs and drive decisions under uncertainty
  • Experience with requirements management, verification and validation, FMEA/FTA, configuration control, and design reviews
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor engineers and build a high-performance technical culture
  • Hands-on mindset and willingness to work directly with prototypes, flight tests, and real hardware
  • We are an international team communicating in English; German language skills are an advantage
What we offer

We offer the opportunity to become the technical leader of a breakthrough drone aircraft and delivery system at a decisive stage of company growth. If you are passionate about aircraft engineering, autonomous systems, and building real products that fly, we would love to hear from you.

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