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Entry Level Drone Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydio, Inc

Autonomy Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key ... Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well-designed ...

PDW

Junior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. The Junior Software Engineer will write ...

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions. Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training ...

Muon Space

Software Engineer, Entry-Level

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $169K/yr

They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions. Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training ...

Wing

Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$190K - $202K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Wing is looking for a Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure to join our Flight Systems team. This ...

Discovered Search

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

This team delivers civil site design, surveying, structural work, and drone-enabled services across ... Learning and applying engineering software, drafting tools, and industry best practices What we're ...

Zetier

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$131K - $176K/yr

... uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) • Reverse engineering experience (gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) • ... software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) • Successfully led small cross-domain development ...

Amazon

Software Engineer II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA · On-site

... drone delivery operations, and participating in technical discussions that shape the future of ... software engineering with real-world logistics. You'll innovate, work hard, have fun, and make ...

Amazon

Software Engineer II, Prime Air

Seattle, WA

... drone delivery operations, and participating in technical discussions that shape the future of ... software engineering with real-world logistics. You'll innovate, work hard, have fun, and make ...

Anthem Engineering

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Software developer roles and responsibilities include providing expertise in the full software ... Experience developing in an Agile environment Level: Entry Level - SME Clearance: Active security ...

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All JobsDrone Software Engineer JobsEntry Level Drone Software Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Drone Software Engineer information

See salary details

$24K

$104.9K

$189K

How much do entry level drone software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drone software engineer in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level drone software engineer do?

An Entry Level Drone Software Engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining software that controls drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This includes working on flight control systems, navigation algorithms, and integration with hardware components. They often collaborate with hardware engineers and other software developers to enhance drone performance and capabilities. Typically, they use programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java, and may work on projects involving autonomous flight, sensor integration, and data processing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level drone software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drone Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, proficiency in programming languages like Python or C++, and a basic understanding of robotics or embedded systems. Familiarity with drone control software, simulation tools, and version control systems such as Git is typically expected, along with relevant certifications like FAA Part 107 if working directly with drone operations. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable drone software, ensuring system integration, and collaborating efficiently on complex technical projects.

What are the typical projects an entry level drone software engineer works on, and how do they collaborate with hardware teams?

As an Entry Level Drone Software Engineer, you'll often work on projects such as developing flight control algorithms, integrating sensors, or optimizing communication between drones and ground stations. Collaboration with hardware teams is crucial, as software must be tested and fine-tuned to ensure compatibility with the drone's physical components. Regular cross-functional meetings and joint testing sessions are common, allowing you to learn about hardware constraints and contribute to system-level troubleshooting. This collaborative environment helps you build a strong foundation in both software engineering and embedded systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drone Software Engineer vs Entry Level Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Drone Software EngineerEntry Level Robotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; familiarity with drone hardware and softwareBachelor's in Computer Science, Robotics, or related field; knowledge of robotics frameworks
Work EnvironmentDeveloping drone control systems, testing in outdoor or lab settingsProgramming robotic systems, simulation, and hardware integration
Industry UsageUnmanned aerial vehicle companies, defense, surveyingManufacturing, automation, research labs

While both roles involve software development for autonomous systems, the Entry Level Drone Software Engineer focuses specifically on drone hardware and flight control, whereas the Entry Level Robotics Software Engineer covers a broader range of robotic platforms and systems. The choice depends on your interest in aerial vehicles versus general robotics applications.

More about Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Drone Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Drone Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Drone Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drone Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Autonomy Software Engineer

Skydio, Inc

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the role:As an Autonomy Engineer, your primary goal will be to make our autonomy system more capable and more reliable for all of our customers. You will own developing new autonomous capabilities end-to-end and deploying these capabilities to customers tackling a wide range of use cases, including inspection & mapping, drone-as-first-responder (DFR), security/patrols, situational awareness, and more. These represent some of the first real-world deployments of truly autonomous robots performing valuable tasks in large and critical industries.
How you'll make an impact:
  • Build cutting-edge autonomous capabilities through tight cross functional collaboration with our vision, planning & controls, deep learning, infrastructure, embedded, cloud, mobile, design, product, and flight test teams
  • Develop core robotics algorithms to expand our autonomous operational envelope in challenging environmental conditions, including night time, in urban canyons, in areas of GNSS and C2 interference, at sea, and in precipitation
  • Triage customer issues, recognize trends, and rapidly make our system more resilient to failures seen in the field
  • Research investments in simulated and in-real-life test infrastructure
  • Develop a deep understanding of core robotics principles coupled with a full understanding of how our system works
  • Help out across the full software stack when needed, maintaining the highest standards for code quality and proactively addressing tech debt
  • Conceive, design, implement, simulate, evaluate, and fly new motion planning strategies to extend capabilities and improve customer experience

What makes you a good fit:
  • 1+ years of experience writing production level code for autonomous robots, preferably flying robots with a high level of proficiency in C++ and Python
  • Practical experience implementing state of the art algorithms in a robotics-adjacent area including computer vision, state estimation, motion planning, controls, sensor characterization and integration, UAS software and hardware development
  • Highly curious, creative, and able to communicate concepts to non-technical audiences
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well-designed, maintainable, readable code
  • Excited to use robotics to make the world safer, more productive, and more creative

Compensation:
At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $147,000 - $210,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company's policies and eligibility criteria.
* Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location.
#LI-PG1
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

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