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Internship Drone Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performance Drone Works

Staff Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... What You'll Do Our Staff Software Engineer will: * Provide technical leadership across multiple ...

GliaCell Technologies

Junior Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50K - $120K/yr

Are you a Junior Software Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to ... Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ...

Guidewire Software

Software Engineer I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Minimum 1 year of professional software engineering experience (or equivalent combination of internships, co-ops, or substantial projects). * Proficiency in at least one modern programming language ...

Performance Drone Works

Senior Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... What You'll Do Our Senior Software Engineer will: * Lead design and implementation of significant ...

Performance Drone Works

Senior Software Engineer

Denver, CO

$126K - $166K/yr

Company Overview Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic ... What You'll Do Our Senior Software Engineer will: * Lead design and implementation of significant ...

GliaCell Technologies

Senior Software Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$170K - $260K/yr

Are you a Senior Software Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to ... Tired of being treated like a company drone? * Tired of promised adventures during the hiring phase ...

Amazon

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Amazon Prime Air (PA) is seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer to oversee the development hardware and software integration within our ultra-fast drone delivery operations. This role will be responsible for ...

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Internship Drone Software Engineer information

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How much do internship drone software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship drone software engineer in the United States is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Drone Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Drone Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, and a basic understanding of robotics or embedded systems. Experience with simulation tools such as Gazebo, version control systems like Git, and knowledge of APIs or SDKs for drones is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective teamwork help interns excel in dynamic project environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative drone solutions while learning quickly and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Internship Drone Software Engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Internship Drone Software Engineer, you can expect to contribute to a range of projects involving the development, testing, and optimization of drone software systems. Typical responsibilities may include writing code for flight control, participating in simulations, assisting with hardware integration, and troubleshooting software issues. Interns often work closely with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams, gaining hands-on experience while learning industry-standard tools and practices. This role provides valuable exposure to both autonomous systems and real-world deployment scenarios, which can be a strong foundation for future roles in robotics or aerospace engineering.

What is the difference between Internship Drone Software Engineer vs Drone Software Engineer?

AspectInternship Drone Software EngineerDrone Software Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of relevant degree (CS, EE)Bachelor's or higher in related field, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, mentorship, entry-level tasksFull-time, professional setting, complex projects
ResponsibilitiesAssist in software development, testing, data analysisDesign, develop, and maintain drone software systems
Industry UsageTraining, entry-level roles, skill developmentOperational, R&D, product development in drone industry

The main difference between an Internship Drone Software Engineer and a Drone Software Engineer is experience level and responsibilities. Internships focus on learning, assisting, and gaining industry exposure, while Drone Software Engineers handle complex development tasks and have more autonomy. Internships are ideal for students or recent graduates, whereas full-time engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities.

What does an Internship Drone Software Engineer do?

An Internship Drone Software Engineer assists in developing and testing software that controls drones, such as flight algorithms, navigation, and data processing systems. Interns typically work under the guidance of experienced engineers, contributing to coding, debugging, and integration tasks. They may also help with simulation, troubleshooting real-world drone issues, and collaborating with hardware teams to ensure seamless operation. This role provides hands-on experience in both software development and the rapidly growing field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Internship Drone Software Engineer jobs near you

Staff Software Engineer

Performance Drone Works

Denver, CO • On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
What You'll Do
Our Staff Software Engineer will:
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple product areas, driving architectural decisions and cross-team alignment.
  • Define and uphold engineering standards, ensuring consistency and quality across the codebase.
  • Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to shape the technical roadmap.
  • Mentor engineers at all levels, investing in their growth and the overall capability of the team.
  • Identify and resolve systemic technical challenges that span teams or platforms.
  • Lead technical reviews and design sessions, ensuring architectural coherence and long-term maintainability.
  • Represent engineering perspectives in cross-functional planning and strategic discussions.
  • Support field operations and serve as a technical escalation point for complex issues.

Qualifications
  • Expert-level software development skills in C++, with deep understanding of systems design, performance optimization, and modern programming standards.
  • Proven experience architecting and delivering large-scale, cross-platform software systems.
  • Substantial experience with embedded Linux, Android, and similar platforms.
  • Strong experience building complex UI systems with Qt/QML and integrating with backend services using REST and JSON.
  • Deep understanding of software development processes including coding standards, agile methodologies, and CI/CT/CD.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence and align stakeholders across disciplines.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, with 7-10 years of professional software development experience, including experience in a technical leadership capacity.

Preferred
  • Background or hands-on experience with UAVs, aircraft, robotics, or autonomous systems.
  • Extensive, production-grade experience with the Qt framework including QtWidgets, QML, and the Qt meta-object system.
  • Track record of delivering cross-platform applications (Windows, Linux, Android) using Qt in high-reliability environments.
  • Deep expertise in build systems and toolchains including CMake, QMake, and multi-target compiler configuration.
  • Experience establishing Git workflows, branching strategies, and collaborative development standards across teams.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office and requires use of standard office and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-functional collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.
ITAR Requirement
In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The pay range for this role is:
185,000 - 225,000 USD per year (DF02)

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