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Executive Drone Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DroneUp LLC

Director of Systems Engineering

$175K - $195K/yr

... at executive and regulatory levels * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field Preferred * Experience with UAS/drone systems or ...

Performance Drone Works

Senior Program Manager

$118K - $119K/yr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used ... We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical ...

Neros Technologies

Director of Product

Torrance, CA · On-site

$21K - $383K/yr

... engineering organization * Proven ability to operate at an executive level with minimal pre ... Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous ...

Neros Technologies

Director of Product

Torrance, CA · On-site

$21K - $383K/yr

... engineering organization * Proven ability to operate at an executive level with minimal pre ... Familiarity with the current landscape of drone warfare, including FPV systems, autonomous ...

Percepto

Customer Success Manager

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

... drone inspection solutions. This role blends customer success, solution engineering, and sales ... Translate technical details into clear business value messaging for executives and operators.

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Dallas, TX · Remote

... level Account Executives * Drive adoption of Axon's Drone as First Responder (DFR) network ... Build strong partnerships with internal teams including product, engineering, strategy, and ...

Axon

Director of Sales, Majors Air

Chicago, IL · Remote

... level Account Executives * Drive adoption of Axon's Drone as First Responder (DFR) network ... Build strong partnerships with internal teams including product, engineering, strategy, and ...

Aptiv PLC

Defense Drones & Robotics Sales Director

... engineering, and customer success teams. * C-Level Access: Engage and influence senior executives ... Represent Aptiv at key robotics, drone, autonomy, defense, and industrial trade shows and ...

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Executive Drone Developer information

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$36K

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$155K

How much do executive drone developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive drone developer in the United States is $86,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Executive Drone Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As an Executive Drone Developer, you’ll regularly work alongside hardware engineers, software developers, product managers, and regulatory specialists to ensure seamless integration of drone technologies. This role often involves leading technical discussions, setting development priorities, and aligning project goals with broader business strategies. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both technical and business perspectives are crucial for navigating challenges and delivering innovative drone solutions. Cross-team collaboration is essential for coordinating testing, deployment, and compliance, ultimately driving project success.

What is an Executive Drone Developer?

An Executive Drone Developer is a professional who designs, develops, and manages advanced drone technologies, often overseeing the strategic implementation of drone solutions within organizations. This role typically blends technical expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with leadership and project management skills. Executive Drone Developers may lead teams, coordinate large-scale drone projects, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. They also keep up with the latest innovations in drone software and hardware to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Executive Drone Developer vs Drone Software Engineer?

AspectExecutive Drone DeveloperDrone Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; experience in drone technologyBachelor's or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science; coding certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, project management, strategic planning in drone developmentDesigning, coding, testing drone software in R&D or tech teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, defense, aerospace, startups focusing on drone solutionsTech firms, R&D labs, aerospace companies developing drone applications
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Executive Drone Developer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing drone projects and strategic development, while the Drone Software Engineer focuses on coding and software design for drones. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Executive Drone Developer emphasizes management and strategic planning within the drone industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Drone Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Drone Developer, you need advanced expertise in software engineering, robotics, and aeronautical systems, typically supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with drone-specific programming languages, flight control systems, and certifications like Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate are commonly required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills set candidates apart, enabling effective team management and stakeholder collaboration. These competencies are crucial for driving innovative drone solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading technical teams in a rapidly evolving industry.
What cities are hiring for Executive Drone Developer jobs? Cities with the most Executive Drone Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs? The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Drone Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Drone Developer jobs include:
Executive Drone Developer jobs near you
Director of Systems Engineering

Director of Systems Engineering

DroneUp LLC

Remote

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

DroneUp, LLC is a technology company built on years of complex airspace management and UAS operations experience with a foundation that uniquely positions us to deliver autonomous airspace management solutions that serve both regulators and operators.
It is a company with a vision to make autonomous flight great for communities, great for business, and great for the world. Yet more than visionaries; we have the tools, instruments, focus, and expertise to execute while utilizing a "People Matter Most" mentality.
Our founder envisioned a massive, untapped opportunity to leverage autonomous flight that would revolutionize how the world may "pitch" and "roll" in the future. To start, we have harnessed the power of airspace technology, analytics platforms, and drone services to transform business operations. Our long-term mission is to be "Safe and Be Exceptional" while building and deploying the world's most accessible drone ecosystem.
Knowing that our mission critical success comes directly from the people we bring onboard, we strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow, and go beyond the normal Field of View! Come fly with us as our team goes through our checklists that will "Inspire Fast Action" and take an entire industry to new heights. "Be a Person Others Want to Follow!"
About the role
  • We are building the systems that enable safe, scalable autonomous drone operations. As Director of Systems Engineering, you will define and own the traceability and verification strategy that ensures our products meet the highest safety and regulatory standards. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will lead our systems engineering and architecture team, establishing the processes, tools, and culture required to deliver safety-critical systems from concept through certification.
  • This is a hands-on leadership role. You will work alongside your team on complex technical challenges while building the organizational capability to scale. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in aviation, air traffic management, or safety-critical software systems, combined with a passion for mentoring engineers and driving engineering excellence.

What you'll do
Strategic & Regulatory Leadership
  • Define and own the end-to-end traceability and verification strategy, aligning requirements with design, implementation, and certification (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A).
  • Establish and continuously improve systems engineering processes and governance.
  • Lead safety assessment activities (FHA, SSA, FTA).
  • Serve as the SME for systems engineering standards and regulatory compliance (FAA, EASA).
  • Maintain current knowledge of evolving UAS regulations and proactively adapt practices

Technical & Team Execution
  • Lead the systems engineering and architecture team, providing technical direction on complex system-of-systems challenges.
  • Own system architecture decisions, trade studies, and requirements decomposition across all domains.
  • Drive the selection and implementation of requirements management and MBSE tools.
  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing systems engineering team.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (Software, Hardware, Ops) and Product Management to ensure alignment and seamless system integration.

Qualifications
Required
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
  • Deep background in aviation, aerospace, air traffic management, or safety-critical autonomous systems
  • Proven experience with aviation safety standards (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A, ARP4761) and certification processes
  • Hands-on experience leading safety assessment activities (FHA, PSSA, SSA, FTA, FMEA)
  • Strong track record establishing traceability and verification strategies for complex systems
  • Experience with requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama, Polarion) and MBSE methodologies (SysML, UML)
  • Demonstrated ability to interface with regulatory bodies (FAA, EASA) and industry standards organizations
  • Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing engineering teams
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at executive and regulatory levels
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Preferred
  • Experience with UAS/drone systems or emerging aviation technologies (UAM, eVTOL)
  • Background in air traffic management systems or airspace integration
  • Experience with Agile systems engineering practices and DevSecOps integration
  • Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
  • INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one

Security Responsibility Statement: Employees are expected to provide a high level of security to any personal or private information accessed as part of their work, whether at a DroneUp facility or remotely. This includes participating in security training, remaining sensitive to individual rights to personal privacy, and complying with company policies. Employees who have access to sensitive data that is protected by regulation, such as HIPAA, or by contract, such as credit card data, must comply with any additional requirements dictated by the governing regulations or associated contracts.
The pay range for this role is:
175,000 - 195,000 USD per year (NCR)

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