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Uav Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Frigates Eye, LLC

CAD designer

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

... with UAV or aerospace systems - Familiarity with CNC machining or 3D printing design constraints - Knowledge of landing gear or deployment mechanism design Deliverables - 3D CAD models and full ...

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How much do uav design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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.

How much do drone designers make?

Drone designers, or UAV design engineers, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in aerodynamics, electronics, or software may earn higher salaries, especially in industries like defense or aerospace. Certifications and proficiency with CAD tools can also influence earning potential.
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Uav Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,322 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
UAV Test Engineer (Systems/Mechatronics)

UAV Test Engineer (Systems/Mechatronics)

Seneca

Sausalito, CA • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Job:
Seneca is seeking a Test Engineer to build the technical foundation of our UAV test program. This is a individual contributor role focused on designing test plans, instrumenting vehicles, creating test infrastructure, and analyzing system-level performance across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
You will operate as a multi-disciplinary systems test engineer-strong in mechatronics, comfortable debugging across domains, and able to turn ambiguous engineering questions into structured experiments. with enough breadth to collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software specialists, while owning system-level test execution end to end. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving hardware environments and enjoys working across the full stack of UAV systems.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop and own system-level test plans for ground and flight testing, with clear objectives, sequences, and success criteria.
  • Design and maintain test infrastructure and instrumentation, ensuring vehicles and test setups capture high-quality, actionable data.
  • Provide technical oversight of test execution, validating readiness, guiding pilots and operators, and ensuring procedural rigor.
  • Analyze telemetry, logs, and performance data to characterize system behavior, identify root causes, and inform engineering decisions.
  • Drive continuous improvement of test methods, documentation, workflows, and tools.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware and software teams to align test activities with development needs and translate findings into design actions.

What You Bring:
  • 3-5 years experience in UAV, robotics, aerospace, or electromechanical systems testing.
  • Strong mechatronics intuition: able to debug mechanical, electrical, and software-integration issues at a system level.
  • Experience designing structured experiments and test plans.
  • Hands-on experience instrumenting complex systems and validating data quality.
  • Ability to define requirements and prototype fixtures.
  • Competence analyzing logs, telemetry, and multi-domain performance data.
  • Comfortable working in both lab and field environments, including variable outdoor conditions.
  • Basic CAD proficiency.

Nice to have:
  • Passion for UAVs and aviation
  • Exposure to PX4/ArduPilot, ROS, or similar robotics frameworks.
  • Familiarity with reliability, accelerated life, or environmental testing.
  • FAA Part 107 certification or willingness to obtain one.

Beyond technical skills, we value:
  • Ownership mentality - take projects from idea to execution
  • Balance of velocity and quality - Ability to operate calmly in fast-paced, experimental environments while maintaining high engineering standards and disciplined test execution
  • Efficiency & follow-through - keeps test program unblocked and organized
  • Iterative problem solving - breakdown complex problems, prototype, and refine
  • Kindness and humility - thrive in collaborative, mission-driven cross-functional teams that value open communication.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Salary - Reflective of your skills and experience
  • Equity Compensation - Be a part-owner in the company's future
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
  • Unlimited PTO - Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us
Seneca is eliminating the $1 trillion threat of wildfire across 500 million acres with AI-powered autonomous drone systems. Imagine a world where firefighters can respond to a blaze in under 6 minutes using autonomous suppression technology. That's the world Seneca is building. We're combining the deep expertise of seasoned fire professionals with the innovation of billion-dollar technology builders to create advanced systems that save lives, property, and natural resources.
This is more than a job-it's a mission to transform safety across 500 million acres. Whatever your background, if you're a builder, an innovator, or a problem-solver, you belong here.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply - you may still be the right fit for our team.

Apply