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Engineer Autonomous Flight Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wisk

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous ... The goal of a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Wisk is to achieve safe, efficient, and on time ...

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$108.6K

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How much do engineer autonomous flight jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 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 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 in 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Engineer Autonomous Flight job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Sr. Flight Software Engineer

Connect Staffing Professional LLC

Hawthorne, CA

$90K - $205K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Flight Software Engineer
Location: Hawthorne, CA (near LAX)
Relocation: Available
Team Size: ~20 engineers
Compensation: $90,000-$205,000 + equity (based on performance, level, and location)
About the Mission
Imagine a world where solar power doesn't shut off at sunset.
We are building a constellation of autonomous spacecraft designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth after dark-unlocking nighttime solar energy for the first time in history.
This is not theoretical.
We are launching our first spacecraft in 2026, backed by top-tier investors and led by engineers who have built and flown real hardware in orbit.
If you want to write software that will operate a fleet of autonomous spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, this is that opportunity.
What You'll Build
As a Flight Software Engineer, you will design and deploy the software that powers every spacecraft in our constellation. Your work will span:
  • Autonomous decision-making and onboard control
  • Real-time embedded C/C++ on ARM microcontrollers
  • Embedded Linux systems for mission-critical operations
  • Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
  • Command and data handling
  • Fault detection, isolation, and recovery
  • Over-the-air updates to on-orbit vehicles
  • Hardware-in-the-loop testing and day-in-the-life simulations
You will own your systems end-to-end-from concept and architecture to implementation, testing, and on-orbit performance.
This is a role for engineers who want to see their code fly.
What You'll Do
  • Develop autonomous flight software for a new class of spacecraft
  • Build the infrastructure for rigorous testing and large-scale deployment
  • Implement real-time control loops, state estimation, and system health monitoring
  • Design fault-tolerant software using watchdogs, voting logic, ECC, and FDIR
  • Work directly with electrical, mechanical, and mission operations engineers
  • Support on-orbit operations and deliver OTA updates to live spacecraft
  • Contribute to architecture decisions that shape the entire constellation
Minimum Requirements
  • Demonstrated excellence on a comparable software project (autonomy, robotics, flight software, or high-reliability embedded systems)
  • 3+ years of professional C/C++ experience
Ideal Experience
You don't need all of these, but the strongest candidates will have several:
  • BS in CS, EE, ME, or Aerospace Engineering
  • Flight software experience for spacecraft or similar high-reliability systems
  • ARM microcontroller development
  • Embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot, custom kernels)
  • Strong debugging, unit testing, and integration testing skills
  • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, CAN, UART, SPI, I2C)
  • Fault-tolerant software design (watchdogs, voting logic, ECC, FDIR)
  • Exposure to MISRA-C, JSF, DO-178C, or similar standards
  • Experience in fast-paced, high-ownership engineering environments
Who Thrives Here
We hire outliers-people who have done something exceptional, unusual, or bold.
Not just "good engineers," but people who have demonstrated intensity, creativity, and a track record of doing hard things.
Examples of backgrounds that stand out:
  • Built a complex robotics or embedded system solo
  • Led major engineering projects early in your career
  • Designed custom hardware or flight computers
  • Worked on spacecraft, rockets, drones, or autonomous vehicles
  • Promoted rapidly due to exceptional performance
  • Achieved something rare in any domain-technical or otherwise
If you've done something that made people say, "I can't believe you pulled that off," we want to talk to you.
Why This Role Is Different
  • Your code will fly on every spacecraft we launch
  • You will work directly with founders and senior engineers
  • You will have ownership over major subsystems
  • You will see your work go from idea → hardware → orbit quickly
  • You will help define a new category of space technology

This is a chance to build something the world has never seen before.

Apply