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Senior Drone Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TekSky

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA About the job Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS About ... A true "drone nerd" who builds, flies, and experiments with UAS as a hobby. * Startup Mindset

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Low-level software development (C/C++, uBoot, kernel drivers) • Reverse engineering compiled ... uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) • Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) • ...

ARA

Senior Electrical Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

ARA is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to support the design, integration, and controls ... Design wire harnesses for unmanned systems (UxS) and drone-related hardware, including connector ...

Axon

Senior Product Manager II, RF Detection & Tracking

Sterling, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

TDoA networks, RFML classification, spectrum coverage - if it picks a drone out of the noise, you own it. This is the most senior PM IC seat at Dedrone today and requires holding engineering depth ...

Bechtel

PIMS Senior GIS Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$123K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Developer, GIS Specialist, GIS Analyst, or a related role, with demonstrated capabilities in GIS. * Demonstrated experience processing reality-capture data (LiDAR point clouds and/or drone ...

Bechtel

PIMS Senior GIS Administrator

Reston, VA

$123K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Developer, GIS Specialist, GIS Analyst, or a related role, with demonstrated capabilities in GIS. * Demonstrated experience processing reality-capture data (LiDAR point clouds and/or drone ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++) * Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++) * Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

Senior Technical Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++) * Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM ... Development on embedded platforms (uBoot, drone firmware, IOT) Developed software on mobile ...

Axon

Senior Product Manager, Defeat

Sterling, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Impact As Senior PM for Mitigation & Threat Management, you will own the C2 workflows that turn drone detections into coordinated responses. You'll partner with engineering, design, and field ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

CNO Embedded Engineer Zetier seeks senior Computer Network Operations (CNO) embedded system ... Development on embedded platforms (e.g. uBoot, IoT, drone firmware) * Successfully developed ...

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Senior Drone Developer information

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

AspectSenior Drone DeveloperDrone Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Engineering; experience in drone techSimilar credentials, often with specialized software development skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, drone manufacturing firmsTech firms, startups, aerospace companies
Industry UsageDesigning, developing, and testing drone systemsDeveloping drone software applications and algorithms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles in drone software developmentEntry to mid-level drone software development roles

The main difference between a Senior Drone Developer and a Drone Software Engineer lies in experience level and scope. Senior Drone Developers typically lead projects, oversee design, and have extensive industry experience, while Drone Software Engineers focus on coding and software implementation. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Senior Drone Developers hold more responsibility and strategic oversight.

How to become a senior drone developer?

To become a senior drone developer, gain a strong foundation in software engineering, robotics, and embedded systems, often through a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields. Develop expertise in programming languages such as C++, Python, and experience with drone hardware, sensors, and flight control systems. Building a portfolio of drone projects, gaining experience in the industry, and obtaining relevant certifications can also help advance to a senior role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Developer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Drone Developer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Drone Developer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Drone Developer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Senior Drone Developer jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Drone Developer job openings:

Senior Drone Developer jobs near you

Senior Mechanical Engineer

TekSky

Hampton, VA • On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Hampton, VA
About the job
Senior Mechanical Engineer - UAS
About Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC)
Do you want to be part of a culture that inspires people to think big, perform with excellence, and build products that matter? At Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC), we design and manufacture high-performance VTOL unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for defense and commercial applications. As a fast-paced, veteran-owned startup, we are driven by one mission: delivering reliable, high-performance systems that help save the lives of our men and women in uniform. Our work is inspired directly by the warfighter. If you have the passion, courage, and curiosity to solve difficult engineering problems, we invite you to help us build a world defined by Peace Through Strength.
Position Overview
AAC is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with deep intuition and hands-on experience in small UAS (sUAS) design. You will serve as the owner of the complete mechanical CAD assembly, leading the design, fabrication, integration, and sustainment of current and future aircraft hardware from early concept through flight testing and production. This role is highly hands-on, with an emphasis on execution, iteration, and practical engineering judgment in a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Mechanical Design Ownership
  • Own and maintain the master CAD assembly for AAC aircraft, ensuring high-fidelity models and accurate subsystem integration.
  • Manage configuration control and version tracking of all mechanical components.
  • End-to-End Product Development
  • Execute all stages of the product lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, analysis, prototyping, flight testing, and manufacturing transition.
  • Design and refine composite structures, fuselages, flight surfaces, internal structures, component mounting solutions, propulsion systems, and payload integrations.
  • Design Iteration & Manufacturing Optimization
  • Redesign aircraft components to optimize manufacturability, reliability, weight, and performance.
  • Continuously improve fabrication and assembly processes to support efficient, scalable production (e.g., composite layups, machined parts, 3D-printed structures).
  • Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the mechanical technical lead, mentoring and guiding other engineers as the team grows.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to optimize system-level performance against mission requirements.

This is a 90% individual contributor / 10% leadership role, ideal for a senior engineer who leads by doing.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience & Expertise
  • 10+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience, with deep expertise in small UAS or aerospace systems.
  • Proven ability to design lightweight, high-performance flight hardware using sound engineering judgment and intuition.
  • Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Fusion 360.
  • Strong understanding of aircraft structural design, manufacturing methods, and mechanical integration.
  • Strong understanding of latest 3D printing techniques and material selection.
  • Communication
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to document designs and communicate technical decisions clearly.
  • Eligibility & Location
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Ability to work on-site at AAC's offices in Hampton, VA.

Desired Characteristics
  • Military or Defense Affinity
  • U.S. military veteran experience is a strong plus.
  • Drone Enthusiast Mentality
  • A true "drone nerd" who builds, flies, and experiments with UAS as a hobby.
  • Startup Mindset
  • Proactive, adaptable, and positive, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve quickly.
  • Research & Documentation
  • Strong research and documentation skills to rapidly increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of new designs.

Apply