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Drone Programming Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Auterion

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

Your primary focus will be enabling strike drone capabilities, including integration of Auterion ... Experience programming robotic applications in ROS/ROS2 * Understanding of Kalman filtering and ...

Axon

System Test Engineer II

Sterling, VA

You'll be the engineer who understands the entire system and its nuances end to end: you'll ... In this role the drone is the threat . What's under test is the CUAS stack - detect, track ...

Leonardo DRS

Project Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$134K - $181K/yr

... counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job ... Responsible for leading all engineering efforts for a project or projects on time and budget

GliaCell Technologies

Principal DevOps Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$52.25 - $71.75/hr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... The ideal candidate will also bring Python programming skills and experience with OpenAPI ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD

The position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge military-grade autonomous drone ... Familiarity with robot operating systems and robotics programming concepts. * Experience working ...

GliaCell Technologies

Principal DevOps Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$52.25 - $71.75/hr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... The ideal candidate will also bring Python programming skills and experience with OpenAPI ...

Actalent

Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD

The position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge military-grade autonomous drone ... Familiarity with robot operating systems and robotics programming concepts. * Experience working ...

Axon

System Test Engineer II

Sterling, VA · On-site

You'll be the engineer who understands the entire system and its nuances end to end: you'll ... In this role the drone is the threat. What's under test is the CUAS stack - detect, track, identify ...

GliaCell Technologies

Principal DevOps Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$52.25 - $71.50/hr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... Popular programming languages for DevOps engineers include Python, Ansible, and Terraform. * Strong ...

GliaCell Technologies

Mid-Level DevOps Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$52 - $71/hr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... Leverage programming Languages such as Python, Ruby, Perl, and Java * Proficient with DevOps or ...

GliaCell Technologies

Mid-Level DevOps Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$52.25 - $71.75/hr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... Leverage programming Languages such as Python, Ruby, Perl, and Java * Proficient with DevOps or ...

GliaCell Technologies

DevOps Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... Popular programming languages for DevOps engineers include Python, Ansible, and Terraform.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrone Programming JobsDrone Programming Jobs in Washington, DC

Drone Programming information

See Washington, DC salary details

$28.3K

$100.7K

$168.8K

How much do drone programming jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone programming in Washington, DC is $100,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $131,400.00 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 popular job titles related to Drone Programming jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Drone Programming jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Programming jobs in Washington, DC are:

Drone Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Programming job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% As Needed, and 51% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,740 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

GNC Engineer

Auterion

Arlington, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation, and control software that powers Auterion's Skynode platform, built on PX4.

Your primary focus will be enabling strike drone capabilities, including integration of Auterion's software stack onto partner hardware and ensuring reliable performance in operational environments.

You will work closely with product and field teams to improve system performance, support deployments, and rapidly troubleshoot issues observed during testing and real-world operations.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and AuterionSDK, including new features, performance improvements, and automated testing
  • Own and evolve the US guidance controller for strike applications, ensuring robustness and mission effectiveness
  • Define, analyze, and review software requirements to meet customer needs, system performance targets, and quality standards
  • Design and implement flight- and mission-critical onboard software for unmanned systems
  • Diagnose and resolve GNC-related issues from field operations through flight log analysis, providing rapid initial assessment and driving root-cause resolution
  • Work closely with product, integration, and flight operations teams to support deployments and continuously improve system performance
  • Travel to customer sites (typically 1-2 weeks at a time) to support platform integration, testing, and advanced GNC tuning

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics
  • Proficient in C/C++ (particularly on Linux based systems and memory-constrained embedded processors) and Python
  • Working knowledge of PX4 or comparable autopilot technology
  • Experience programming robotic applications in ROS/ROS2
  • Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to keep a global team fully informed
  • Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus
  • US citizenship & eligibility to obtain secret clearance required. 

Base Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000

Benefits:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Stock Options
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
  • Medical flex spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan - 401k with company match 
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.

Apply