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Drone Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join our Ground Systems team. This role ...

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join our Ground Systems team. This role ...

Software Engineer (iOS)

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

... drone systems. This is a mission-critical role where your work directly translates our backend ... software engineering practices. * Experience with Git and standard development workflows (code ...

Software Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with a focus on embedded software and a strong background in drone/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), software development, testing and support. The ...

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$144K - $189K/yr

Wing is looking for a Senior Staff Software Engineer to join our Ground Systems team. This role ... drone delivery network. Thriving on systemic complexity, you will leverage deep expertise in ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$145K - $204K/yr

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... Design, develop, and maintain test suites to validate the Neros drone & ground control software

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$145K - $204K/yr

We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership ... Design, develop, and maintain test suites to validate the Neros drone & ground control software

Autonomy Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well-designed ...

Wireless Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... We're looking for a Wireless Software Engineer to join our team and help reimagine how WiFi and ...

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... As a Senior Full Stack Software Engineer you will design and build the core cloud and geospatial ...

New

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure to join our Flight Systems team. This ...

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Drone Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do drone software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Software Engineer jobs in California? For Drone Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drone Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Drone Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Drone Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 86% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Autonomous Drone Systems (San Mateo)

Skydio Inc.

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$149K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

A leading drone technology company in San Mateo, CA is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer to architect and develop embedded firmware for autonomous drones. This role involves designing software that bridges the algorithms and hardware, providing technical direction, and debugging new systems. The compensation package includes competitive salaries, equity options, and comprehensive benefits. Ideal candidates should have C++ proficiency in embedded environments and hands-on experience with hardware bring-up.
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