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Drone Systems Integration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description XTEND Tampa is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems. This role focuses on hands-on mechanical engineering ...

Drone Data Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$109K - $131K/yr

Integrate Skydio drone data with * Enterprise data platforms * Asset management systems * GIS systems * AIML analytics pipelines * Handle authentication access control rate limits and API lifecycle ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$124K - $163K/yr

Description XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems. This role focuses on hands-on embedded software ...

... systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping. * Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other ...

Strong understanding of system integration across electrical, mechanical, and software domains Hands-on experience building, integrating, and testing multirotor or FPV drone systems Experience ...

... systems (e.g., multirotors, fixed-wing, hybrid), including the latest models in surveying, inspection, and mapping. * Work with cross-functional teams to integrate drone capabilities with other ...

... integrating, and testing multirotor or FPV drone systems • Experience working with cross-functional teams (EE, ME, and software) in a product development environment • Familiarity with embedded ...

... integrating, and testing multirotor or FPV drone systems · Experience working with cross-functional teams (EE, ME, and software) in a product development environment · Familiarity with embedded ...

Drone Pilot This role operates and supports unmanned aerial systems in live flight and testing ... integration. The position supports strong career growth in an emerging technology area, building ...

Lead and mentor a team of technicians in the assembly, integration, and maintenance of drone systems and related platforms * Support engineering teams with prototype development, system integration ...

Control Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Integrate high-fidelity simulation models (flight dynamics, actuator, and sensor models) that ... Experience with communication protocols common in drone systems (MAVLink, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)

Control Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Integrate high-fidelity simulation models (flight dynamics, actuator, and sensor models) that ... Experience with communication protocols common in drone systems (MAVLink, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)

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Drone Systems Integration information

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How much do drone systems integration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for drone systems integration in the United States is $55.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will AI replace drone pilots?

Drone systems integration professionals work with autonomous and semi-autonomous drone technologies, but AI is currently used to assist rather than fully replace human drone pilots. Human oversight remains essential for complex decision-making, safety, and regulatory compliance, and pilots often need training in AI and automation tools to operate modern systems effectively.

What careers align to the drone tech pathway?

Careers that align with the drone systems integration pathway include roles such as drone technician, UAV operator, systems engineer, and drone software developer. These roles often require knowledge of aeronautics, electronics, programming, and certifications like Part 107 for commercial drone operation.

What is drone integration?

Drone systems integration involves combining various drone components such as sensors, communication systems, and flight controllers into a cohesive, functioning system. In a drone systems integration role, professionals ensure that hardware and software work together reliably, often requiring knowledge of electronics, programming, and industry standards. This process is essential for developing operational drones used in applications like surveillance, mapping, or delivery services.

What is the difference between Drone Systems Integration vs Drone Software Engineer?

AspectDrone Systems IntegrationDrone Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees, certifications in systems or aerospace engineeringRequires software development degrees, coding certifications, experience in programming languages
Work EnvironmentInvolves hardware assembly, system testing, field deploymentFocuses on coding, software testing, algorithm development
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and field operationsPrimarily in software development firms, tech companies, R&D labs
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for technical skills and project scopeCompared for programming expertise and software lifecycle management

Drone Systems Integration professionals focus on combining hardware components, ensuring system functionality, and deploying drone solutions in real-world environments. In contrast, Drone Software Engineers specialize in developing, testing, and maintaining the software that powers drone operations. Both roles are essential in the drone industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What drone jobs pay the most?

Senior drone pilot, UAV operations manager, and drone program director roles tend to offer the highest salaries in drone systems integration, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in drone technology, regulations, and project management.
Infographic showing various Drone Systems Integration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,303 per year, or $55.9 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer / Entry Systems

Mechanical Engineer / Entry Systems

XTEND

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description
XTEND Tampa is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems.
This role focuses on hands-on mechanical engineering support across prototype development, system integration, and production support. The engineer will work closely with electrical, software, and production teams to ensure reliable and manufacturable drone systems.
The role provides a strong pathway toward broader systems engineering responsibilities as the engineer develops experience across multidisciplinary drone systems.
Main Responsibilities
  • Mechanical Design & Integration.
  • Support design and integration of mechanical components including airframes, payload mounts, and structural assemblies.
  • Prototype Development.
  • Build and evaluate prototype systems and support rapid design iterations.
  • Production Floor Support.
  • Provide direct engineering support to manufacturing teams during assembly and integration.
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
  • Improve designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and reliability.
  • Testing & Validation.
  • Support environmental testing, structural validation, and system integration testing.
  • Failure Analysis.
  • Investigate mechanical failures and perform root-cause analysis.
  • Documentation.
  • Develop engineering drawings, assembly documentation, and integration procedures.

Requirements
  • B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
  • 0-5 years experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, aerospace, or product development.
  • Engineering Skills.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles and tolerances.
  • Hands-On Engineering.
  • Comfortable working directly with hardware and prototypes.
  • Documentation.
  • Ability to generate and interpret engineering drawings.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with drone systems, robotics, or aerospace hardware.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds or production environments.
  • Familiarity with DFM principles.