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Uav Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting existing mechanical and electrical designs to meet US customer requirements and specifications. You ...

Anduril Industries

Chief Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms * Work within a team of multidisciplinary engineers and specialists throughout the life of UAV design and integration ...

Anduril Industries

Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms * Manage tactical engineering efforts, interfacing between different engineering and test disciplines * Draft and develop ...

Survice

UAV/UGV Technician

Churchville, MD · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

UAV/UGV Technicians Location: Churchville, MD Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain a DoD ... Design mechanical components and sub-assemblies * Develop production documentation that may include ...

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How much do uav design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav design in the United States is $60.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $72.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Uav Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in UAV Design, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, mechanical design, and robotics, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software, UAV simulation tools, and knowledge of FAA regulations or UAV-specific certifications is essential. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure safe, innovative, and regulation-compliant UAVs that meet specific project needs and perform reliably in real-world environments.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in UAV Design?

Professionals in UAV Design typically spend their days developing UAV concepts, creating technical drawings and models with CAD software, and collaborating with engineers to refine designs and integrate new technologies. They may also participate in prototype testing, data analysis from flight tests, and troubleshooting to address design challenges. Frequent communication with cross-disciplinary teams, such as electronics, software, and compliance specialists, is common to ensure all aspects of the UAV meet project and regulatory standards. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on engineering, creative problem-solving, and collaboration, constantly pushing the boundaries of unmanned aerial technology.

What is a UAV Design job?

A UAV Design job involves creating, developing, and testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various applications, such as surveillance, delivery, or research. Professionals in this field work on aerodynamics, material selection, propulsion systems, and control mechanisms to enhance UAV performance. They collaborate with engineers, programmers, and manufacturers to ensure the UAV meets design specifications and operational requirements. This role requires expertise in aerospace engineering, CAD software, and flight simulation tools.

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Uav Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,322 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
NIWC - Graduate Student I - UAV/ Robotic Design, Development, and Integration Project (Task No. 4...

NIWC - Graduate Student I - UAV/ Robotic Design, Development, and Integration Project (Task No. 4...

San Diego State University Research Foundation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22.84/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

San Diego State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
The hourly rate for this position is $22.84 per hour for Graduate Student I and is non-negotiable.
This position is open until filled
Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.
This Statement of Work outlines the need for student services in the design, development, and integration of UAV and Robotic systems. The student will apply advanced engineering principles to develop UAV and Robotic prototypes, integrate UAV systems, and conduct performance assessments. The work involves using cutting-edge tools for unmanned system design, control systems development, sensor integration, and flight and field testing.
The RESTORE project aims to research and develop UAV systems and robotics capable of performing complex missions in various operational environments. This initiative is crucial to advancing unmanned capabilities within the Navy and DOD, ensuring that the systems developed are reliable, efficient, and meet operational requirements. The student will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to explore innovative unmanned solutions, focusing on both hardware and software components.
Responsibilities
The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor:
UAV/Robotic Design and Development:
  • Assist with the conceptual and detailed design of UAV airframes using CAD software.
  • Assist with the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of UAV/Robotic prototypes.
  • Contribute to the development of autonomous flight control algorithms, including path planning, obstacle avoidance, and decision-making systems.
  • Support the integration of sensors and payloads into unmanned platforms, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance.
  • Assist with the development and testing of unmanned systems in simulated and real-world environments, including the setup of test protocols, data collection and analysis.
  • Participate in the design and implementation of ground control systems for UAV operation and monitoring.
  • Aid in the development of AI-based solutions for enhancing autonomy, including machine learning techniques for real-time decision making.
  • Assist in the development of communication systems for UAV-to-UAV and UAVto-ground station data transmission.
  • Develop and sustain software for UAV/Robotic control and mission planning, ensuring robust and secure operation.
  • Assist in ensuring UAV/Robotic compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications
Graduate Student 1: Under general direction, incumbents must be enrolled in a masters degree program related to the required discipline requested on the task order statement of work. Under general direction, incumbents must be enrolled in a masters degree program related to the required discipline requested on the task order statement of work.
Minimum Qualifications Requirements:
Graduate Level 1: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with coursework or experience relevant to UAV design and development.
Desired Coursework and/or relevant work experience:
  • UAV Design and Development
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Control Systems Engineering
  • Robotics
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Sensor Integration
  • Computer Vision
  • Embedded Systems
  • Power Systems

Additional Qualifications Desired:
  • Experience with CAD software for UAV design (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA)
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB
  • Knowledge of AI/ML techniques applied to autonomy
  • Familiarity with UAV simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, ROS)
  • Experience with UAV flight control systems and autopilot software (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot)
  • Experience in integrating hardware and software components into UAV systems
  • Experience with communication protocols for UAV systems (e.g., MAVLink)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and in team settings

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:
  • This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
  • The student will work at NIWC Pacific Old Town OT2 Room 1656. The student will be working primarily with Code 43170. Telework arrangements may be available, in compliance with NIWC protocols. In-person meetings may be required.
  • Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify.
  • This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week.
  • This position will remain open until filled.
  • Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
  • San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
  • Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
  • SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
  • SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

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