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Drone Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50K - $120K/yr

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

Principal Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$134K - $179K/yr

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 ...

Principal Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$134K - $179K/yr

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 ...

Cloud Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

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 ...

Firmware Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/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

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 14, 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?

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 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.

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 development tools like ROS or PX4 can be beneficial. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or personal projects involving drone software development can also improve job prospects.
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Infographic showing various Drone Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Tactical Edge Software Engineer

Seattle, WA • On-site

$275K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Triumphant Nerd is searching for Tactical Edge Software Engineers to develop and deploy advanced AI systems for tactical and operational environments.

This role sits at the intersection of AI, LLMs, autonomy, robotics, and edge computing. You’ll build and deploy specialized models and multi-agent systems that operate on constrained hardware and interface with sensors, effectors, and drone systems. The work supports high-impact defense missions where reliable, untethered AI must function in demanding environments.

What You’ll Do:
  • Train and fine-tune LLMs for tactical edge applications
  • Optimize AI models and runtimes for GPU, CPU, and specialized accelerator hardware
  • Design and implement multi-agent systems for mission scenarios
  • Integrate LLM agents with sensors, effectors, and drone systems
  • Benchmark and evaluate agent performance, reliability, and capabilities
  • Build scalable, reliable, and fail-safe systems for high-stakes environments
  • Deploy and maintain production AI systems across constrained edge environments
What We’re Looking For:
  • 5+ years of software engineering experience
  • 2+ years in system design or architecture
  • Strong proficiency in Python, C++, and/or Rust
  • Experience building and deploying LLMs and LLM agents
  • Hands-on experience with PyTorch, HuggingFace Transformers, LangChain, vLLM, or similar technologies
  • Experience optimizing AI models for edge hardware
  • Familiarity with Ollama, Mojo, TVM, TensorFlow Lite, and vLLM
  • Experience building technically demanding software in defense, aerospace, big tech, drones/robotics, or applied research
  • Customer-facing or cross-functional experience
  • BS or higher in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similar
  • Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance
  • Based in Seattle or willing to relocate (provided)
  • Salary up to $275K plus perks!
  • Ability to travel up to 25%
Why Join:
  • Work on cutting-edge AI and autonomous systems at the tactical edge
  • Build technology designed for real-world defense and operational environments
  • Collaborate with experts across AI, LLMs, robotics, autonomy, and systems engineering
  • Solve challenging problems involving constrained hardware and high-stakes deployments
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