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Drone Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Performance Drone Works

Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... What You'll Do Our Software Engineer will: * Design, implement, and test software features across ...

Performance Drone Works

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Engineering, or related field, with 7-10 years of professional software development experience ...

GliaCell Technologies

Principal Software Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$190K - $280K/yr

Are you a Principal Software Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career ... Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ...

GliaCell Technologies

Senior Software Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$170K - $260K/yr

Are you a Senior Software Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to ... Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ...

PDW

Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense and public safety missions. The Software Engineer will design, implement, and test software ...

PDW

Junior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. The Junior Software Engineer will write ...

PDW

Senior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. The Senior Software Engineer will lead ...

PDW

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense and public safety missions. The Staff Software Engineer will provide technical leadership, uphold ...

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense and public safety missions. The Principal Software Engineer will provide technical leadership ...

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense and public safety missions. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical ...

PDW

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. The Staff Software Engineer will provide ...

PDW

Senior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems for defense, national security, and public safety missions. The Senior Software Engineer will lead the design ...

Impulse Space

Flight Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Flight Software Engineer Department: Software Employment Type: Full Time Location: Boulder County ... robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc) * Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture ...

Impulse Space

Flight Software Engineer

Louisville, CO

$130K - $280K/yr

Description As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design ... robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc) * Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture ...

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All JobsDrone Software Engineer JobsDrone Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Drone Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$66.8K

$155.1K

$216.1K

How much do drone software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone software engineer in Colorado is $155,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,200.00 and $181,900.00 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Software Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Drone Software Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Software Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Software Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drone Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Drone Software Engineer job openings:

Drone Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,124 per year, or $74.6 per hour.

Software Engineer

Performance Drone Works

Denver, CO • On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
What You'll Do
Our Software Engineer will:
  • Design, implement, and test software features across one or more product areas.
  • Participate actively in code reviews, providing and integrating constructive feedback.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teammates including Product, Design, and QA to deliver well-scoped features.
  • Debug and resolve defects in live systems, including occasional field support.
  • Contribute to technical documentation and help maintain engineering standards.
  • Improve system performance by identifying inefficiencies and proposing targeted optimizations.
  • Begin taking ownership of well-scoped technical problems end-to-end.
  • Support continuous integration and deployment pipelines.

Qualifications
  • Solid software development skills in C++, with practical knowledge of modern programming standards and patterns.
  • Experience building and shipping features in a professional software environment.
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, Android, or similar platforms.
  • Working knowledge of UI development concepts; exposure to QML or Qt is a plus.
  • Understanding of software development processes including agile methodologies, code review, and CI/CD.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, with 3-5 years of professional software development experience.

Preferred
  • Hands-on experience with Qt, QtWidgets, and QML in a professional setting.
  • Experience deploying cross-platform applications (Windows, Linux, and/or Android).
  • Background or personal interest in UAVs, drones, robotics, or aerospace systems.
  • Proficiency with Git workflows including branching, merging, and code review tooling.
  • Experience with CMake, QMake, or other build configuration systems.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office and requires use of standard office and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-functional collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
ITAR Requirement
In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
  • On-site gym

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The pay range for this role is:
115,000 - 155,000 USD per year (DF02)

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