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Engineer Autonomous Flight information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do engineer autonomous flight jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer autonomous flight in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an engineer autonomous flight do?

An Engineer Autonomous Flight designs, develops, and tests systems that enable aircraft, such as drones or advanced air vehicles, to fly without direct human control. They focus on creating algorithms, integrating sensors, and ensuring the aircraft can navigate, avoid obstacles, and complete missions safely and efficiently. Their work involves collaboration with hardware and software teams, as well as staying updated on aviation regulations and safety standards. This role is crucial for advancing technologies like delivery drones, urban air mobility, and unmanned aerial vehicles used in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer autonomous flight, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineer Autonomous Flight, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, robotics, control systems, and programming, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), autopilot systems, sensor integration, and certifications in UAV technologies are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous flight systems that meet industry standards and operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by an engineer autonomous flight, and how can they be addressed?

Engineers in Autonomous Flight often encounter challenges related to integrating complex software and hardware systems, ensuring reliability and safety in unpredictable environments, and meeting rigorous regulatory standards. Addressing these issues requires strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and regulatory specialists. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and aviation regulations also helps engineers anticipate and solve emerging problems efficiently.

What is the difference between Engineer Autonomous Flight vs Engineer Drone Systems?

AspectEngineer Autonomous FlightEngineer Drone Systems
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace, robotics, or related fields; certifications in UAV or autonomous systemsBachelor's or higher in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering; certifications in drone technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies, autonomous vehicle development centersDrone manufacturing, testing facilities, field operations
Industry UsageDesigning and developing autonomous flight algorithms and systemsDeveloping drone hardware, software, and operational systems

Both roles involve working with unmanned systems, but Engineer Autonomous Flight focuses on creating autonomous flight capabilities and algorithms, while Engineer Drone Systems emphasizes hardware and software development for drones. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and focus within the UAV industry.

What are popular job titles related to Engineer Autonomous Flight jobs?

For Engineer Autonomous Flight jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Engineer Autonomous Flight job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

System Hardware Engineer (Autonomous Flight Termination)

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

STEM Boomerang
See more jobs at STEM Boomerangexternal

$100/day

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

System Hardware Engineer (Autonomous Flight Termination)

Rio Rancho, United States | Posted on 08/06/2026

Castelion was founded to restore America's ability to field advanced weapons at speed and scale. Inspired by the engineering urgency of the WWII and Apollo eras, we combine rapid iteration, vertical integration, and scalable manufacturing to deliver affordable, high-performance strike systems. Our mission: rebuild industrial agility to strengthen national security and outpace evolving threats.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Senior Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) Hardware Engineer to design and deliver high-reliability flight safety electronics for Castelion's long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. This role is critical to ensuring safe, deterministic vehicle termination through robust, fault-tolerant hardware. You will work hands-on with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, build, test, and validate pulsed power electronics and firing systems, with a focus on electronic safe and arm devices (ESADs) and related architectures in a fast-paced, hardware-driven environment.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience designing and validating pulsed power, high-voltage, or firing system electronics for aerospace, defense, or similar high-reliability applications
  • Strong background in energy storage, high-speed/high-current switching, and pulsed power circuit design
  • Experience with electronic safe and arm devices (ESADs), initiation systems, or similar safety-critical hardware
  • Proficiency in circuit design, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent)
  • Experience with hardware bring-up, environmental testing, and troubleshooting in a lab or flight hardware environment
  • Familiarity with system safety, redundancy, and fault-tolerant design principles for mission-critical systems

Experience designing for EMI/EMC, thermal performance, and operation in extreme environments.

Strong problem-solving mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, high flight cadence environment

  • Employee Equity: Meaningful equity forall full-time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
  • Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paidtime off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp - velocity matters,burnout doesn't
  • Medical: We offer plans at 100% employeecovered and 80% of dependent coverage
  • Dental & Vision: We cover 90%employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family haveaccess to quality preventive and ongoing care
  • FSA/HSA: To support long-term health andfinancial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allowemployees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical anddependent care expenses
  • Retirement: 401k plan offered to supportlong term financial growth along side high-impact, high-velocity work
  • Paid Parental Leave: We support growingfamilies with meaningful time to bond and recover. Birthing parentsare eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non-birthingparents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time can be usedfor pre-natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medicalneeds - ensuring every parent has the support they need during thisimportant life moment.8-weeks of paid parental leave for allparents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
  • Meals & Catering: Frequently cateredlunches and team meals, plus company-covered meals when extra timeor effort is required
  • Snacks & Beverages: Fully stockedkitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueledthroughout the day
  • Performance & Fitness: $100 monthlyfitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both insideand outside of work
  • EV Charging: Onsite electric vehiclecharging available for employees
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