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Drone Programming Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer - DevOps

Germantown, MD ยท On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

... drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. - Business Unit ... We're looking for a DevOps engineer to develop and enhance CI/CD pipelines for our software-defined ...

Senior DevOps Engineer

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$170K - $260K/yr

Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ... Our engineers were certainly tired of the same. At GliaCell our slogan is "We make It happen". * We ...

Senior DevOps Engineer

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$200K - $280K/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.

Cyber Engineering Intern

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Familiar with low-level programming (C/C++) * Familiar with developing in scripting languages ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Familiar reading assembly ...

Systems Engineer - DevOps

Germantown, MD ยท On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

... drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. - Business Unit ... We're looking for a DevOps engineer to develop and enhance CI/CD pipelines for our software-defined ...

Project Engineer

Germantown, MD ยท 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

Cyber Engineering Intern

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $25/hr

Familiar with low-level programming (C/C++) * Familiar with developing in scripting languages ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Familiar reading assembly ...

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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:

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.

Principal DevOps Engineer

GliaCell Technologies

Annapolis Junction, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Are you a Principal DevOps Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level?

  • Tired of being treated like a company drone?
  • Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase, then dropped off on a remote contract and never seen or heard from the mothership again?
  • Our engineers were certainly tired of the same.  

At GliaCell our slogan is “We make It happen”.

  • We will immerse you in the latest technologies.
  • We will develop and support your own personalized training program to continue your individual growth. 
  • We will provide you with work that matters with our mission focused customers, and surround you with a family of brilliant engineers. 

Culture isn’t something you need to talk about…if it just exists. 

If this sounds interesting to you, then we’d like to have a discussion regarding your next adventure! If you want to be a drone, this isn’t the place for you.

We Make It Happen!

GliaCell Technologies focuses on Software & System Engineering in Enterprise and Cyber Security solution spaces. We excel at delivering stable and reliable software solutions using Agile Software Development principles. These provide us the capability to deliver a quick turn-around using interactive applications and the integration of industry standard software stacks.

GliaCell’s Enterprise capabilities include Full-Stack Application Development, Big Data, Cloud Technologies, Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, and DevOps Containerization. We also provide customer solutions in the areas of CND, CNE, and CNO by providing our customers with assessments and solutions in Threat Mitigation, Vulnerability Exposure, Penetration Testing, Threat Hunting, and Preventing Advanced Persistent Threat.

We Offer:

  • Long term job security
  • Competitive salaries & bonus opportunities
  • Challenging work you are passionate about
  • Ability to work with some amazingly talented people

Job Description:

GliaCell is seeking a Principal DevOps Engineer on one of our subcontracts. This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to support a U.S. Government customer. The mission is to provide technical expertise that assists in sustaining critical mission-related software and systems to a large government contract.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g., processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems) based upon documented requirements.
  • Reviews and tests software components for adherence to the design requirements and documents test results.
  • Resolves software problem reports.
  • Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development environment.
  • Provides specific input to the software components of system design to include hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, and requirements analysis and synthesis from system level to individual software components.

Key Requirements:

To be considered for this position you must have the following:

  • Possess an active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science (or a related subject).
  • 20+ years of experience. 
  • Works well independently as well as on a team. 
  • Strong communication skills. 
  • Flexible and motivated. 

Key Skills:

  • Python.
  • Experience in Gitlab and AWS.
  • Experience using IAVA, STE, Postgresql, Pratetor, Ruby, Git and GitLab-ci.
  • Applications: Elasticsearch with Machine Learning, Mattermost, Custom Authentication code, NGINX, Prometheus, Graphana, Kibana, pwick, TerraForm, Ansible and Docker.
  • Architecture: Multiple Auto Scale groups, S3 curation, Snapshots across VPC, RDS, Elasticache, Network Load Balancers, Custom AMI and AWS. 

Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland

Salary Range: The salary range for this full-time position is $190,000 to $280,000. Our salary ranges are determined by position, level, skills, professional experience, relevant education and certifications. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across our projects. Within the range, your salary is determined by your individual benefits package selection. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred position during the hiring process. 

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage for Employee and Dependents 
  • Up to 25 Days of Paid Time Off
  • Up to 40 hours of PTO Carryover
  • 11 Federal Government Holidays
  • Work From Home Opportunities
  • 401K Company Contribution, Fully Vested Day 1
  • Discretionary, Certification, and Sign-On Bonus Potential 
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program 
  • Annual Professional Development 
  • 100% Premium Covered for Life & Disability Insurances
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage Available 
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Financial Planning Assistance 
  • Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
  • Monthly Team and Family Events
  • Technology Budget
  • Global Entry
  • Annual Swag Budget

Learn more about GliaCell Technologies: https://gliacelltechnologies.applytojob.com/apply/

To apply for this position, respond to this job posting and attach an updated resume for us to review. 

GliaCell Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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