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Military Drone Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HavocAI

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems ... About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of ...

Havoc

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems ... About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of ...

Drive Capital

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems ... About the Role HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of ...

HavocAI

Air Operations Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

You'll plan and execute drone operations, integrate directly with military units, and serve as the ... You don't need to be a software engineer, but you do need to learn quickly, operate with discipline ...

HavocAI

Air Operations Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

You'll plan and execute drone operations, integrate directly with military units, and serve as the ... You don't need to be a software engineer, but you do need to learn quickly, operate with discipline ...

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Minden, NV · On-site

In Colombia, over 100 military and police officers have been killed by cartel operated drones ... We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ...

Sentradel

NY · On-site

In Colombia, over 100 military and police officers have been killed by cartel operated drones ... We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ...

New

Sentradel

Drone Operator and Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

In Colombia, over 100 military and police officers have been killed by cartel operated drones ... We are seeking a Drone Operator to build, program, and fly the drones our turret shoots down, and ...

Kiewit

Drone Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geomatics, Engineering, or related field preferred * Experience ... We are committed to veteran and military hiring and will consider relevant military experience as ...

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Military Drone Engineer information

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How much do military drone engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for military drone engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a military drone engineer do?

A Military Drone Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for defense and surveillance purposes. They work on both the hardware and software systems that enable drones to operate autonomously or under remote control. This role often involves collaborating with other engineers and military personnel to ensure the drones meet specific mission requirements, such as reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, or tactical operations. Military Drone Engineers also troubleshoot issues, upgrade existing drone technologies, and ensure compliance with safety and security standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a military drone engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Drone Engineer, you need expertise in aerospace engineering, robotics, electronics, and computer programming, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, UAV control systems, and certifications in defense or aviation standards are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure the design, development, and safe operation of advanced military drone systems in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges military drone engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing drone systems?

Military Drone Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new hardware or software components and legacy systems, addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and meeting strict military safety and reliability standards. Additionally, they must work closely with cross-functional teams—including software developers, communication specialists, and field operators—to test and validate upgrades under realistic conditions. Staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and adhering to government regulations are also crucial aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Military Drone Engineer vs Military UAV Technician?

AspectMilitary Drone EngineerMilitary UAV Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in drone systemsTechnical diploma or certification in UAV maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing labs, field operationsMaintenance, repair, and troubleshooting in military bases
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, military agenciesMilitary branches, defense contractors

Military Drone Engineers focus on designing and developing drone systems, requiring engineering expertise. In contrast, Military UAV Technicians primarily handle maintenance and repairs, emphasizing technical skills. Both roles are vital in military operations but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How much does a military drone engineer make?

Military drone engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance levels. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in avionics, software development, or systems integration can earn higher salaries, especially in defense contracting environments.

How to become a military drone engineer?

To become a military drone engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with drone systems, control software, and military technology, along with security clearances, is often necessary for this specialized role.

What cities are hiring for Military Drone Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Military Drone Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Military Drone Engineer jobs?

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For Military Drone Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Military Drone Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Senior Drone Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

HavocAI
See more jobs at HavocAIexternal

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Us:
Havoc is a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy. Its software-defined hardware approach powers military and commercial-grade autonomous systems across sea, air, and land to sense, decide, and act together in complex and contested environments. Havoc connects assets, enabling them to share information, adapt in real time, and continue operating even when communications are disrupted or denied. Havoc optimizes mission performance and minimizes human risk.
Havoc was founded in 2024 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Learn more at Havoc: All-Domain Collaborative Autonomy .
About the Role
HavocAI is seeking a Senior Drone Engineer to lead the technical maturation of Locust, our advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS), as it transitions from a demonstrated prototype to a Department of Defense (DoD) fieldable, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) platform.
This is a hands-on engineering leadership role where you'll drive airframe design for manufacture, structural analysis, and system-level integration while providing the program leadership necessary to keep the production effort on schedule and within budget.
You will serve as the primary technical authority for Locust's production readiness, working closely with manufacturing partners, government customers, and cross-functional engineering teams. Success in this role means delivering a robust, mission-ready aircraft that can withstand the demands of operational use while being reliably manufactured at production scale.
Key Responsibilities
Airframe & Structures
  • Lead structural design and analysis of Locust airframe components, including static, fatigue, and crashworthiness assessments.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews, transforming prototype designs into repeatable, production-ready hardware.
  • Own material selection, composite manufacturing processes, and supplier qualification for primary and secondary structures.
  • Develop and execute structural test programs, including coupon, component, and full-vehicle testing, to support airworthiness certification and LRIP milestones.
  • Establish and maintain the airframe configuration baseline, including engineering change orders (ECOs), drawing releases, and configuration management.
System Integration & Production Readiness
  • Partner with propulsion, avionics, and payload engineering teams to integrate subsystems while maintaining structural integrity and weight targets.
  • Lead first article inspections and production acceptance testing with manufacturing partners.
  • Develop build-to-print packages, manufacturing work instructions, and inspection criteria supporting LRIP.
  • Support flight test campaigns by analyzing results, driving corrective actions, and implementing design improvements.
Engineering Program Leadership
  • Maintain engineering schedules and track progress against production milestones, proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Prepare and present technical reviews and program status updates for executive leadership and government customers, including SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR, and other milestone reviews.
  • Lead and mentor a small team of engineers and technicians supporting the Locust production effort.
  • Support proposal development, production planning, and cost estimating for follow-on production efforts.
Required Qualifications
  • 8-12 years of experience in UAS or aerospace structural design, analysis, testing, and product development.
  • Proficiency with modern 3D CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or equivalent.
  • Experience performing structural analysis using FEA tools such as Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated success transitioning aerospace systems from prototype (TRL 5-6) through production readiness or Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
  • Experience preparing or contributing to airworthiness documentation, including structural substantiation reports or DoD Airworthiness Authority submissions.
  • Experience managing technical schedules, tracking engineering deliverables, and communicating program status to internal leadership and government customers.
  • U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Secret Security Clearance.
  • Experience supporting a DoD UAS Program of Record or LRIP effort (Group 2-4 UAS preferred).
  • Familiarity with MIL-SPEC requirements, MMPDS (formerly MIL-HDBK-5), and DoD Airworthiness Authority processes.
  • Experience designing small UAS or attritable/expendable aircraft where affordability and manufacturability are primary design drivers.
  • Experience supporting formal government engineering reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR, and associated technical data packages.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Why HavocAI
At HavocAI, you'll help build autonomous systems that solve real-world challenges in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. You'll work alongside exceptional engineers, move quickly, and see your work transition from prototype to production and ultimately into the hands of operators.
If you're excited about solving difficult engineering problems, owning critical technical decisions, and helping shape the future of autonomous systems, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits:
  • 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
  • Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
  • Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
  • Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
  • Equity Package
  • Work / Home Office Stipend
  • Global Entry
  • 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
  • Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend
Our Values:
  • Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
  • Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
  • Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission-protecting lives through innovation.
  • Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
  • Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
  • Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it's supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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