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Drones Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aptiv PLC

Software Architect - Robotics & Drones About Aptiv Aptiv is a global technology leader with more than 200,000 employees across 48 countries. We develop advanced software, compute platforms, and ...

Paladin Drones

Account Executive

Houston, TX · On-site

Remote About Paladin Drones: Paladin is transforming public safety with autonomous drone technology, aiming to be on the scene of emergencies within 90 seconds. When 911 is called, our drones provide ...

Paladin Drones

Account Executive

Houston, TX · On-site

Remote About Paladin Drones: Paladin is transforming public safety with autonomous drone technology, aiming to be on the scene of emergencies within 90 seconds. When 911 is called, our drones provide ...

JDK Drones

Drone Pilot

Dallas, TX · On-site

Operate drones to capture aerial imagery and data safely, in compliance with FAA and company policies.Perform quality checks to ensure data accuracy, image clarity, and proper storage.Collaborate ...

Aptiv

Product Manager, Robotics & Drones

Boston, MA · On-site

Product Manager, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous ...

Aptiv

Product Manager, Robotics & Drones

Boston, MA

Product Manager, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous ...

JDK Drones

Operate drones to capture aerial imagery and data safely, in compliance with FAA and company policies.Perform quality checks to ensure data accuracy, image clarity, and proper storage.Collaborate ...

Paladin Drones

QA Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

When someone dials 911, our drones take flight, providing first responders with a real-time overhead view of the situation, amplifying their situational awareness and hastening response times.

Aptiv PLC

Product Manager, Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous ...

Paladin Drones

QA Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$66K - $95K/yr

When someone dials 911, our drones take flight, providing first responders with a real-time overhead view of the situation, amplifying their situational awareness and hastening response times.

Aptiv

Program Manager - Robotics & Drones

Troy, MI · Hybrid

Program Manager - Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous ...

Aptiv PLC

Program Manager - Robotics & Drones

Troy, MI · On-site

Program Manager - Robotics & Drones We are Aptiv - a global technology company with 200,000 specialists in 48 countries. We develop innovative software and build the hardware to bring autonomous ...

Alpha Drones USA, Inc.

NY · On-site

$200 - $400/day

Alpha Drones USA is currently seeking experienced drone pilots for contract/project‑based assignments with our agriculture fleet. This role is designed for pilots who already hold an FAA Part 107 ...

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Drones information

What is a drone operator?

Drone operators are professionals trained to pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, surveying land, inspecting infrastructure, delivering goods, and even monitoring wildlife. Drone operators must understand how to safely maneuver the drone, comply with aviation regulations, and often analyze the data or images collected during flights. In commercial settings, they may also need certification or licenses, depending on the country and type of operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical proficiency in operating UAVs, and typically a drone pilot certification such as the FAA Part 107 (in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS systems, and camera or sensor equipment is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding drone operators apart. These competencies ensure safe, legal, and efficient drone operations across industries such as photography, surveying, and inspections.

What are some common challenges drone operators face when working on commercial projects?

Drone operators working on commercial projects often encounter challenges such as obtaining proper flight permissions, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations. Additionally, operators must work closely with clients and team members to understand project requirements and deliver accurate data or imagery. Staying updated on evolving technology and troubleshooting equipment issues are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Drones vs Drone Pilots?

AspectDronesDrone Pilots
CredentialsNone required for operation; certifications optional for commercial useFAA Part 107 certification required
Work EnvironmentUsed in various industries like photography, agriculture, constructionOperate drones in specific projects or jobs, often outdoors
Employer & IndustryManufacturers, service providers, hobbyistsCompanies, government agencies, media outlets

While drones refer to the devices themselves, drone pilots are licensed professionals who operate these devices for various commercial and industrial purposes. Understanding the distinction helps in choosing the right career path or service.

How do I start a career in drones?

To start a career in drones, gain knowledge of drone technology, flight operations, and safety regulations. Obtain relevant certifications such as the FAA Part 107 license if operating commercially in the United States, and develop skills in remote piloting, maintenance, and data analysis. Gaining hands-on experience through training programs or internships can also improve job prospects.

What kind of jobs can you do with drones?

Jobs with drones include aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, or media production, as well as inspections of infrastructure like power lines, bridges, and wind turbines. Drone operators often need certification, technical skills, and knowledge of safety regulations to perform tasks in industries such as agriculture, construction, surveying, and emergency response.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Drones jobs?

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Infographic showing various Drones job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Drones

Seattle, WA • On-site

Brinc Drones Inc
See more jobs at Brinc Drones Incexternal

$150K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end design of critical electro-mechanical systems, including detailed design work from specification through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing handoff

  • Set technical standards and best engineering practices for the engineering team

  • Actively develop junior and mid-level engineers

Job description

About BRINC:
At BRINC, we are redefining public safety with an innovative ecosystem of life-saving tools. Our journey started with the development of drones and ruggedized throw phones, designed to access unsafe areas and establish communication to de-escalate situations. Today, we've expanded into creating and deploying 911 response networks, where drones are dispatched to 911 calls to provide real-time visual data, enhancing safety and enabling de-escalation-focused responses. Our cutting-edge solutions are utilized by over 600 public safety agencies across America and the company has raised over $150M from investors, including Index Ventures, Motorola Solutions, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, Mike Volpi, Alexandr Wang and more. At BRINC, we are committed to recruiting the world's best talent to join us in our mission to support first responders in saving lives.
About this Role:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the end-to-end development of our drones and related electro-mechanical systems. At BRINC, we own the full lifecycle development of our products, from initial concept through to final validation, ensuring reliability and performance in safety critical drone operations. Principal Engineers are as comfortable setting standards for good mechanical design practices, working on new system architectures, mentoring junior members, as they are running an FEA analysis, owning the detailed design of the parts in a complex mechanism or building a working prototype.
At BRINC, Principal-level engineers stay deeply hands-on. They tackle our hardest problems with direct design ownership. The candidate should have demonstrated fluency in plastic and metal parts design, electronics packaging, kinematics, dynamics, and control systems. They ideally have experience with precision actuators, gimbals and related mechanical systems for drone applications. Someone with a track record of personally shipping lightweight, high-performance mechanisms for demanding environments, and the technical range to move fluidly between hands-on execution and setting direction for others.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Own end-to-end design of critical electro-mechanical systems, personally producing detailed design work (CAD, drawings, analysis) - from specification and design through prototyping, testing, and manufacturing handoff
  • Set technical standards and best engineering practices (CAD, DFM, DFA, DFT, GD&T, drawing standards, etc.) for the engineering team
  • Actively develop junior and mid-level engineers
  • Make sound engineering decisions with ambiguous or incomplete information
  • Collaborate effectively with electrical, software, perception, controls and manufacturing partners, modeling strong cross-functional communication
  • Influence technical direction across teams and build alignment without direct authority. Clearly communicate design decisions and technical tradeoffs to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Partner with Industrial Design to ensure final products meet design intent without compromising manufacturability or reliability

Qualifications:
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics (or similar field)
  • 10+ years of experience in the design of complex electro-mechanical systems from concept to production
  • Strong hands-on experience with the ability to craft proof-of-concept prototypes
  • Expertise in precision mechanisms such as linkages, gears, cams, actuators including motion control, load analysis, and kinematic design.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of common manufacturing methods: injection molding, casting, stamping, machining, 3D printing, etc.
  • Experience and passion for mentoring other engineers through hands-on collaboration.
  • Experience operating in a fast-paced environment where rapid iteration and safety-critical rigor matter.
  • Strong command of DFM, DFA and DFT principles, and when to appropriately apply them in a fast iteration environment
  • Experience with statistical tolerance analysis, dimensioning and GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5
  • Proficiency with industry-standard 3D CAD tools and PDM/PLM
  • Working knowledge of material properties across plastics, metals, adhesives, and glass.
  • Ability to effectively communicate concepts and proposals through design reviews and presentations to leadership, both technical and non-technical

Preferred Skills
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
  • 10+ years of experience designing mechanical solutions for Aerospace, Robotics, Consumer Electronics or related industries
  • Experience designing mechanical solutions for UAV/UAS used in commercial, industrial, or defense applications
  • Demonstrated technical expertise core engineering disciplines
  • Experience working with domestic and international supply chain partners
  • Experience with packaging for electronics in constrained spaces, and designing for high-stress, shock & vibe environments
  • Experience with failure analysis and FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
  • Strong knowledge of motor types and their appropriate applications (DC, stepper, brushless, servo) and motor drive systems, including speed controllers and feedback mechanisms. Experience in motor selection, control (PWM, PID), and integration for high-performance, precision applications
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a small team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
BRINC Culture Values:
  • Try the hard stuff
  • Be innovative - Invent the future
  • Move fast
  • Listen to end-users
  • Strive for excellence
  • Don't build a dystopia
  • Be frugal
  • Save lives through technology

If you're interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you'll apply. We'd love to review your application and get to know more about you!
BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We're committed to hiring the best talent - regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances - and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.
Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
  • 401K plan
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
  • Flexible work environment
  • Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
  • Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

Apply