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Uav Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Manufacturing Associate (UAV)

San Diego, CA

Assemble UAV components, mechanical subsystems, and structural assemblies according to detailed ... Interpret and follow engineering drawings, exploded views, wiring diagrams, and written build ...

New

Platform Aerospace

UAV Pilot/Instructor

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$30 - $70/hr

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR I-III DEPARTMENT: FLIGHT OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: FLIGHT OPERATIONS TRAINING ... Completion of training or a degree in aviation, engineering, or a related field preferred

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$33K

$89.2K

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How much do uav engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV Engineer job?

A UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains drone systems for various applications, including military, commercial, and research purposes. They work with hardware and software components such as flight controllers, navigation systems, communication systems, and sensors. UAV Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize drone performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and address challenges like aerodynamics, power efficiency, and automation.

What does a typical day look like for a UAV Engineer?

A typical day for a UAV Engineer often involves designing and testing UAV components, writing and debugging control software, and analyzing flight data to optimize performance. You may participate in collaborative meetings with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers, to coordinate design efforts and resolve technical challenges. Field testing UAV prototypes is also common, requiring on-site troubleshooting and real-time adjustments. The role blends hands-on technical work with documentation and compliance tasks to ensure projects meet both engineering and safety standards.

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

To thrive as a UAV Engineer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering or robotics, proficiency in programming (such as C++ or Python), and knowledge of UAV design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, flight simulation tools, embedded systems, and FAA drone regulations is typically required, along with certifications like Part 107 for commercial drone operation. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in cross-functional projects. These skills ensure safe, efficient UAV development and integration in diverse environments, meeting both technical and regulatory standards.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

UAV engineers, especially those in senior roles or with specialized skills in aerospace, software development, or systems integration, can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, often through experience, leadership positions, or working in high-demand industries like defense or commercial drone manufacturing. Achieving this level typically requires advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes additional certifications or security clearances.

How much does a drone engineer make?

A UAV engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of aeronautics, electronics, and software development.
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Uav Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 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 3 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