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Drone Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Flight Software Engineer

Boulder, CO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$112K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, manufacturing, product, and supply chain teams.

Head of Mechanical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Partner with Electrical, Software, Systems, Product, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... Collaborate across software, mechanical, manufacturing, product, quality, and supply chain teams.

Electrical Engineer

Englewood, CO

$116K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drone avionics, control electronics, and wire harnesses. What you get to do! * Compose, develop ... Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers * Conduct failure analysis and ...

Electrical Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$116K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... drone avionics, control electronics, and wire harnesses. What you get to do! * Compose, develop ... Collaborate with mechanical, software, and systems engineers * Conduct failure analysis and ...

Project Engineer - 100% Travel

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain FAA Part 107 Drone License and conduct UAV operations as required. * Support layout ... Proficiency in Magnet/Topcon Office and construction management software preferred but not required ...

Project Engineer - 100% Travel

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain FAA Part 107 Drone License and conduct UAV operations as required. * Support layout ... Proficiency in Magnet/Topcon Office and construction management software preferred but not required ...

Program Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical ...

Sales Engineer II - Dedrone

Denver, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care ... Basic understanding of Drone technology, desirable experience in flying * Educational background:

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

As a Flight Software Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of the software that powers our Space Vehicles. You will work closely with avionics engineers, GNC engineers, propulsion engineers, and other cross-disciplinary teams to deliver high-reliability, high-performance software for in-space transportation. 
  • Contribute to the design, implementation, integration, and verification of software for: 
    • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms 
    • Command and telemetry handling 
    • Mission sequencing, autonomy, and fault management 
    • Closed-loop control of propulsion, attitude control, and other time-critical systems 
  • Implement features for Impulse's real-time flight software framework to meet deterministic performance requirements in space environments. 
  • Develop detection and mitigation algorithms for anomalies such as sensor failures, actuator malfunctions, or radiation-induced faults. 
  • Direct and participate in code reviews, ensuring compliance with software safety, reliability, and maintainability standards. 
  • Support mission operations and troubleshoot real-time issues during ground integration, environmental testing, and on-orbit operations. 

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related degrees       
  • 2+ years writing C++ code for an embedded system or vehicle of some kind (robot, car, drone, spacecraft, etc) 
  • Demonstrated understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, data structures, and computer networking 
  • Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux 
  • Experience using version control, test cases, and other software best practices 

  • Proven track record delivering flight software for spacecraft- including launch vehicles, OTVs, upper stages, or other in-space propulsion systems. 
  • Familiarity with NASA cFS, ROS2, or custom middleware for space applications. 
  • 4+ years of demonstrated experience in designing software for deterministic timing and hard real-time constraints. 
  • Participation in successful integration, testing, launch, and mission operations of a space vehicle. 

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.