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Uav System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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UAV Test Pilots

Churchville, MD · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Position UAV Test Pilots * Location: Churchville, Maryland * Security Clearance: Active Clearance ... systems - especially remote control vehicles, robotics, etc. About Us SURVICE Engineering is a ...

General Atomics

UAV Systems Specialist III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a UAV System Specialist in our Engineering Field Support Department located in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA). Under general supervision with limited review, this ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role works closely with the design and engineering teams to ensure system performance ... Direct impact on UAV design and performance * Close collaboration with multidisciplinary ...

SRC, Inc

All-Source UAV Analyst

Fairborn, OH

$93K - $120K/yr

Analysts should have familiarity with UAV systems and provide expertise in development, operation, integration, systems engineering, and ICD 203. What You'll Do * Perform classified and unclassified ...

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do uav system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV system engineer?

A UAV System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. They work with hardware and software components, ensuring seamless integration for autonomous or remotely piloted aircraft. Their role includes troubleshooting, improving flight control systems, and optimizing UAV performance for various applications like defense, agriculture, and surveillance. UAV System Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and meet regulatory requirements.

What does a UAV system engineer do?

As a UAV System Engineer, your daily activities often include designing, testing, and refining drone systems, integrating various hardware and software components, and troubleshooting technical issues that arise during development or operation. You will collaborate closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and flight operations teams to ensure efficient system performance and compliance with regulatory standards. Many roles also involve documentation, reporting, and participating in field tests or demonstrations. This dynamic mix of technical and collaborative work keeps each day varied and provides valuable experience across multiple engineering disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a UAV system engineer?

To thrive as a UAV System Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, computer science, or robotics, often supported by a relevant degree and hands-on experience with unmanned aerial vehicles. Familiarity with autopilot software, simulation tools, embedded systems, and certifications such as Part 107 Remote Pilot License or equivalent are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaborative teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills are crucial to ensure the design, integration, and operation of reliable UAV systems in complex, evolving environments.

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UAV System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

UAV Aerospace System Engineer

Swift Engineering

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description
We are seeking a highly capable UAV Aerospace System Engineer to lead the architectural design and system-level integration of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. This role requires deep technical expertise in autonomous flight systems and close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) is strongly desired.
The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with leadership ability and a systems-thinking mindset.
Salary Range: $150,000 annually to $170,000 annually
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the architectural and system-level design of fixed-wing UAV platform
  • Define and integrate autonomous flight systems, including autopilot, navigation, and mission logic
  • Oversee aircraft performance, configuration, and trade studies (aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, power)
  • Collaborate closely with avionics, software, RF, operations, manufacturing, and test teams
  • Provide technical leadership to a small, high-performance engineering team
  • Support flight test planning, execution, and post-flight analysis
  • Interface with internal stakeholders and external partners as needed
  • Contribute to system documentation, requirements definition, and design reviews
  • Support field operations and customer engagements, including travel as required

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Strong understanding of autonomous systems and control with 10+ years experience
  • Experience with autopilot architectures
  • Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS)
  • Understanding of radio systems and RF operations
  • Experience with UAV system integration and flight operations
  • Experience with Matlab/Simulink and SolidWork
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and disciplines
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or Physics
  • Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) or long-endurance UAVs
  • Background in aircraft conceptual or preliminary design
  • Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams
  • Familiarity with regulatory, safety, and operational constraints for UAVs

Travel
Up to 20% travel anticipated for testing, integration, and coordination activities
What we Offer
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge UAV and HAPS platforms
  • High-impact technical leadership role with real system ownership
  • Collaborative, mission-driven engineering environment

Working Conditions:
Primarily in an office environment, and shop environment. Periodic weekend or evening work is expected. Travel is expected.
Must be US Person per ITAR requirements due to our contracts.
Swift Engineering is an EOE.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.
Benefits
  • 9/80 Schedule
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
  • Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • 401k with company match
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
  • 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
  • Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.

About Swift Engineering
If you're passionate about engineering, innovation and making a difference, we invite you to join the Swift Engineering family. Together, we are shaping the future of aerospace and creating technologies that will change the world.
The pay range for this role is:
150,000 - 170,000 USD per year (Swift Engineering)

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