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Drone Testing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Your primary focus will be enabling strike drone capabilities, including integration of Auterion ... Travel to customer sites (typically 1-2 weeks at a time) to support platform integration, testing ...

In this role the drone is the threat. What's under test is the CUAS stack - detect, track, identify ... HW/SW integration testing, RF/wireless validation, environmental/reliability testing, test ...

Certified Infrared Thermographer or experience with building envelope testing is a plus. * Drone Operator License required for candidates performing drone inspections. * Strong attention to detail ...

... drone platforms utilizing BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4 flight control systems. * Support electrical and mechanical assembly activities, including system integration and functional testing.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... flight testing and production. This role is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on execution ... A true "drone nerd" who builds, flies, and experiments with UAS as a hobby. * Startup Mindset

Senior Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

Design wire harnesses for unmanned systems (UxS) and drone-related hardware, including connector ... Support vendor coordination, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and commissioning activities for ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

Design wire harnesses for unmanned systems (UxS) and drone-related hardware, including connector ... Support vendor coordination, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and commissioning activities for ...

Showing results 21-40

Drone Testing information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$70.2K

$82.8K

How much do drone testing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone testing in Virginia is $70,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $74,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drone testing do?

A typical day in Drone Testing involves preparing drones for evaluation, conducting flight tests, and meticulously recording performance data to assess functionality and safety. You’ll often work outdoors at specialized test sites and closely collaborate with engineers, software developers, and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues or recommend improvements. The role requires adaptability, as testing conditions and objectives may change based on project needs. You'll also be expected to interpret test results, write detailed reports, and participate in team meetings to discuss findings and plan next steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drone testing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Drone Testing, a strong understanding of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, electronics, and aerodynamics is essential, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with flight control software, data analysis tools, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate assessment, safe operations, and contribute to both technical innovation and team collaboration in the development and refinement of drone technologies.

What is a drone testing?

A Drone Testing job involves evaluating drones for performance, safety, and reliability. Testers conduct flight tests, analyze data, and identify potential issues in hardware or software. They work with engineers to improve drone functionality and ensure compliance with regulations. This role requires knowledge of drone technology, troubleshooting skills, and sometimes certification depending on industry requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Testing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Drone Testing jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Testing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Testing jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Drone Testing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,225 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

GNC Engineer

Auterion

Arlington, VA • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

As a GNC Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and sustaining the guidance, navigation, and control software that powers Auterion's Skynode platform, built on PX4.

Your primary focus will be enabling strike drone capabilities, including integration of Auterion's software stack onto partner hardware and ensuring reliable performance in operational environments.

You will work closely with product and field teams to improve system performance, support deployments, and rapidly troubleshoot issues observed during testing and real-world operations.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and AuterionSDK, including new features, performance improvements, and automated testing
  • Own and evolve the US guidance controller for strike applications, ensuring robustness and mission effectiveness
  • Define, analyze, and review software requirements to meet customer needs, system performance targets, and quality standards
  • Design and implement flight- and mission-critical onboard software for unmanned systems
  • Diagnose and resolve GNC-related issues from field operations through flight log analysis, providing rapid initial assessment and driving root-cause resolution
  • Work closely with product, integration, and flight operations teams to support deployments and continuously improve system performance
  • Travel to customer sites (typically 1–2 weeks at a time) to support platform integration, testing, and advanced GNC tuning

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Strong grasp of flight dynamics and fundamentals of aerodynamics
  • Proficient in C/C++ (particularly on Linux based systems and memory-constrained embedded processors) and Python
  • Working knowledge of PX4 or comparable autopilot technology
  • Experience programming robotic applications in ROS/ROS2
  • Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to keep a global team fully informed
  • Hands-on drone experience, including piloting, is a plus
  • US citizenship & eligibility to obtain secret clearance required.

Base Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000

Benefits:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Stock Options
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
  • Medical flex spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Retirement Plan - 401k with company match
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you'll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.