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Uav Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Experience: 5-10 years in mechanical engineering, preferably in UAV, aerospace, defense, or complex hardware environments. * Deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and system ...

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience: 5-10 years in mechanical engineering, preferably in UAV, aerospace, defense, or complex hardware environments. * Deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and system ...

Mechanical Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience: 5-10 years in mechanical engineering, preferably in UAV, aerospace, defense, or complex hardware environments. * Deep expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and system ...

RF Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts radio traffic analysis, system design, frequency planning, interference analysis, and ... UAV/UAS experience a plus Special Note Education requirement: * BS Electrical Engineering and > 5 ...

RF Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts radio traffic analysis, system design, frequency planning, interference analysis, and ... UAV/UAS experience a plus Education requirement: * BS Electrical Engineering and > 5 years of ...

RF Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts radio traffic analysis, system design, frequency planning, interference analysis, and ... UAV/UAS experience a plus Special Note Education requirement: * BS Electrical Engineering and > 5 ...

RF Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100 - $165/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conducts radio traffic analysis, system design, frequency planning, interference analysis, and ... UAV/UAS experience a plus Special Note Education requirement: * BS Electrical Engineering and > 5 ...

Showing results 21-40

Uav Design information

See Virginia salary details

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$59

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How much do uav design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for uav design in Virginia is $59.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.25 and $71.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV design?

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.

What are the typical daily responsibilities 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in UAV design?

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 the most commonly searched types of Uav Design jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Uav Design jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Uav Design job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,247 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer

MAG Aerospace

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

MAG is staffing for an Embedded Systems & Robotics Engineer who will bridge the critical hardware-software boundary for autonomous tactical systems. You'll modify and enhance systems and solutions that operate independently in GPS-denied environments, from underwater vehicles to aerial swarms, while ensuring reliability in the harshest conditions.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only  

This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested. 

We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in:

Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC


Primary Responsibilities

  • Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities
  • Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar)
  • Design control systems for robotic platforms and actuators
  • Create hardware abstraction layers following MOSA/SOSA standards
  • Develop digital twin simulations for hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Implement real-time operating systems (RTOS) and safety-critical software
  • Develop and verify safety-critical software in accordance with established standards and best practices
  • Design and fabricate custom hardware solutions using 3D printing and rapid prototyping
  • Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices using SysML/AADL
Secondary Responsibilities
  • Lead field testing and validation of autonomous systems
  • Support deployment and troubleshooting in operational environments
  • Create hardware test fixtures and validation procedures
  • Document MOSA compliance and interface specifications
  • Train operators on system capabilities and limitations

Experience:

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years embedded systems and/or robotics development experience
  • Strong proficiency in C and C++ for real-time for resource-constrained systems
  • Expert proficiency and practical knowledge of Python for scripting, tooling, and rapid prototyping
  • Experience with ROS/ROS2 for robotics development
  • Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle platforms
  • Proficiency with CAD tools and 3D printing/fabrication
  • Understanding of control theory and path planning algorithms
  • Experience with hardware communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, UART)
  • Familiarity with MOSA/SOSA standards and open architectures
  • Experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms for autonomous systems
  • Military/defense robotics experience (ROS-M, JAUS)
  • Hands-on experience with RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and/or embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)
  • Knowledge of digital twin technologies and real-time simulation
  • Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar safety standards
  • Experience with swarm robotics and distributed control
  • Understanding of SLAM and computer vision for navigation
  • Experience with environmental testing (MIL-STD-810)
  • Pilot's license or experience with FAA Part 107 operations

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in EE, CE, ME, CS or related field

Clearance:

  • Must be eligible for Secret security clearance
  • US Citizenship required

What Makes You Successful Here
  • You can go from CAD design to functioning prototype in days
  • You understand autonomy from sensors to behavior planning
  • You apply systems engineering rigor to rapid prototyping
  • You're comfortable with both lab development and field operations
  • You see MOSA as an enabler, not a constraint