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Drone Software Engineer Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Drone Software Engineer information

See Alaska salary details

$68.4K

$158.9K

$221.3K

How much do drone software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone software engineer in Alaska is $158,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,200.00 and $186,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drone software engineer?

A Drone Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains the software that controls drones, including flight control algorithms, navigation systems, and communication protocols. They work with programming languages like C++, Python, and ROS to ensure autonomous or semi-autonomous drone operations. Their role may also involve integrating sensors, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

How to become a drone software engineer?

To become a drone software engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field, along with experience in programming languages such as C++ or Python. Knowledge of embedded systems, drone hardware, and flight control algorithms is essential, and familiarity with tools like ROS (Robot Operating System) can be beneficial. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects involving drone development can also improve job prospects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drone software engineer?

Drone Software Engineers typically spend their days designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software that enables drones to perform tasks such as flight control, navigation, and data processing. You might work on integrating sensors, optimizing real-time algorithms, or troubleshooting issues during test flights. Collaboration with hardware engineers, data analysts, and QA testers is common to ensure the seamless operation of the drone systems. You may also participate in code reviews, contribute to project planning, and stay updated with the latest advancements in drone technology to continuously improve software performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drone software engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Software Engineer, you need expertise in software development, robotics, embedded systems, and a solid background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Python, ROS (Robot Operating System), and tools for flight control or simulation is often required, along with knowledge of relevant industry certifications like Part 107 (for commercial drone operations). Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These qualifications are essential for developing robust, reliable drone software that operates safely and efficiently in real-world environments.

What job categories do people searching Drone Software Engineer jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Software Engineer jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Drone Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Drone Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Software Engineer job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,875 per year, or $76.4 per hour.

Professional Land Surveyor

HDL Engineering Consultants

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
HDL Engineering Consultants, LLC (HDL) is a leader in providing surveying, engineering design, and construction administration services, with multiple offices in Alaska. We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented person to fill a full-time Professional Land Surveyor position in our Anchorage office. The experience and expertise desired are at the Professional Land Surveyor level.
Our survey group is led by Professional Land Surveyors and Certified Federal Surveyors with over 180 years of combined experience, who have provided surveying and mapping for a wide variety of projects within Alaska. This position is an excellent opportunity to work with some of the best surveyors in the state, and grow your experience with a progressive team.
ABOUT YOU
You are an Alaska-licensed Professional Land Surveyor who will be responsible for managing and executing survey projects from start to finish. You possess a strong professional and technical background in surveying, survey equipment, software, and techniques, including:
  • Researching existing property boundaries, prior surveys, and control data
  • Performing precomputations and preparations; planning logistics for in-town and remote surveys
  • Leading a field survey crew to recover and set new control, recover boundary evidence, and perform topographic surveys to support engineering design projects

Your technical background includes:
  • Using GPS, total stations, and levels.
  • Taking detailed field notes and photos.
  • Performing field quality control.

In the office, you will perform data reductions and survey computations, prepare TIN surfaces, and conduct final mapping in an AutoCAD Civil 3D environment.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Alaska Professional Land Surveyor registration
  • Proficient in the use of total stations, GPS receivers, and data collectors, as well as in GPS reduction software such as Leica Geo Office
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Valid Alaska Driver's License and a clean driving record
  • Able and willing to travel within Alaska

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Municipal, State of Alaska, and Federal projects work experience
  • Roads, Highways, and Airports survey experience
  • Experience working in remote areas of Alaska
  • Well-rounded skill set and wide-ranging experience with a focus on Alaska projects, or projects similar to those typically found across Alaska.
  • Demonstrated experience with a variety of field note and drawing samples
  • Knowledge of principles of monumentation, staking, and marking

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE CONSIDERATION
  • Airport Aeronautical Surveys, field and/or office
  • Right-of-way mapping and parcel plat drafting
  • Hydrographic surveying
  • FAA Drone Pilot License and collecting imagery and LiDAR

If you meet the requirements and have some of the desired qualifications, we encourage you to apply!
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
  • Serve as field Professional Land Surveyor party chief of a one or two-person field survey crew in urban and remote areas of Alaska.
  • Work in the field and office on control, boundary, subdivision, topographic & design surveys, aerial mapping control, and aeronautical surveys; may also perform drone imagery & LiDAR data collection and hydrographic surveying.
  • Accurately run survey measuring instruments, including GPS equipment, total stations, and digital levels, all with electronic data collecting capabilities
  • Understand and identify sources of measurement errors
  • Perform mathematical calculations and check field data in the field
  • Perform data reduction, field note reduction, calculations, data checks, and staking computations using survey programs and AutoCAD
  • Perform quality control checks on each project, including computations, field book formats, and content
  • Write survey reports describing horizontal and vertical control basis, the survey processes used for the project that meet the client's standards, and the quality control processes used to provide quality assurance

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Are you looking for opportunities to lead surveys in communities throughout Alaska? Join a diverse and supportive group of professionals at HDL and take part in the meaningful work we do. As a team member at HDL, you can expect a fun place to work, a family-friendly setting, and flexibility in your work schedule and environment to help you do your best work and meet your commitments. The Alaska Journal of Commerce has recognized HDL several times as one of the Best Places to Work in Alaska.
Here's what else you can expect as a team member at HDL:
  • Competitive Compensation - Your skills and contributions are valued. You'll receive competitive compensation, as well as health, dental, and vision benefits, and more
  • Paid Time Off - We encourage all team members to take paid time off and to recharge and spend time with loved ones
  • Work Within A Multi-Disciplinary Team - You will be a part of HDL's multi-disciplinary team that works together to deliver important work to our clients and their communities
  • The Opportunity to Create a Lasting Community Impact - Join our team and work with us to bring impactful community projects to life

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position involves both field work and office work. When working in an office setting, this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, plotters, phones, photocopiers, etc. We have generous work areas, high performance laptops for field work, and dual monitor docking stations. When working in the field, this position may require you to stand for long periods and walk long distances. This position may also require you to occasionally climb, kneel or crouch and reach with hands and arms. This position may also require you to lift items and equipment weighing up to 60 pounds, use a monument driver such as a Pionjar or Cobra Combi Breaker/Drill for intermittent periods, and work in various types of inclement weather and varying terrain typically found across Alaska.
ABOUT HDL
At HDL, we want to empower our employees in their careers. When you work with us, we will encourage you to follow your passions, and we promise to be committed to your safety, well-being, and professional development.
With more than 70 employees, our services include civil, aviation, transportation, water/wastewater, hydrology & hydraulics, geotechnical, environmental, surveying & mapping, and construction administration. We work with our clients to develop creative solutions with an emphasis on quality, integrity, teamwork, respect, and positivity.
HDL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.