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Drone Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118.90K - $162.70K/yr

Amazon Prime Air (PA) is seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer to oversee the development hardware and software integration within our ultra-fast drone delivery operations. This role will be responsible for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · 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 ...

Systems Software Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... What you will be doing Are you a hands-on Test Systems Software Engineer eager to architect the ...

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Senior Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$180K - $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 ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$155.30K - $208.20K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155.30K - $208.20K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155.30K - $208.20K/yr

Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) * Reverse engineering experience ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drone Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do drone software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Drone Software Engineer job?

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.

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 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 cities are hiring for Drone Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Drone Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Drone Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Drone Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Drone Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Software Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Drone Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

GliaCell Technologies

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$170K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

***An active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is REQUIRED. Please do not apply if you currently do not possess this level of clearance.***
Are you a Senior Software 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 Senior Software 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 Requirements:
To be considered for this position you must have the following:
  • Possess an active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance. (This position requires in-scope poly, within 7 years).
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • 14+ years Software Engineering experience and a BS degree in Computer Science or related.
  • Works well independently as well as on a team.
  • Strong communication skills.

Description:
  • Seeking a software engineer to parse data products which make information available for Analytic missions. This Program has a robust process to ensure quality of products. The process includes DAT, UAT/SME Validation, Smoke Test, and System Level Test (SLT) prior to deploying products to production.
  • Communication and collaboration: Software Development is a team-oriented discipline. Mostly Java development. Software Engineers are part of the Domain team and need to be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with other team members.
  • Support CI/CD principals utilizing Gitlab, Confluence, and Jira.
  • The Team supports a variety of flexible work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Core hours coverage of 10 AM to 2 PM is required. No overtime, nor weekend work allowed.

Desired Skills:
  • Java, Gitlab, Confluence documentation, and Jira tickets.

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Salary Range: The salary range for this full-time position is $170,000 to $260,000. 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. SIGN-ON BONUS ELIGIBLE.
Benefits:
  • CareFirst Medical Coverage for Employee and Dependents
  • Guardian 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.