Developers who craft the software that powers drones and unmanned aerial systems. A blend of cutting-edge technology and real-world application, this role is at the heart of the drone revolution.
Drone Software Engineers are the architects behind the sophisticated software that controls unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They work on everything from flight control systems to data processing and analysis. This role is crucial for companies ranging from startups developing new drone technologies to established firms in aerial surveying and security. Whether you're working on improving the autonomy of drones or enhancing their data collection capabilities, the work is both challenging and rewarding.
A typical week for a Drone Software Engineer is a mix of coding, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
A typical UK progression for drone software engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.
Assist in the development and testing of drone software, focusing on specific modules and features.
Take ownership of key software components, lead small projects, and mentor junior engineers.
Lead the design and implementation of complex software systems, manage a team of engineers, and drive innovation.
Strategise and oversee the development of cutting-edge drone software, influence company direction, and collaborate with external partners.
There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.
Start with a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering, focusing on relevant programming languages and algorithms.
Participate in internships or projects that involve drone software development to gain hands-on experience.
Deepen your knowledge in areas such as flight control, data processing, and autonomous systems through specialised courses or self-study.
Create a portfolio of projects that showcase your skills in drone software development, including both personal and professional work.
Engage with the drone community through conferences, meetups, and online forums to stay updated and build professional relationships.
Take on leadership roles in drone software projects, driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of the field.
We don't have any matching roles at the moment, but new jobs are added daily.
Flarebright Bicester £39,000 – £49,000 pa
Contributes across the full development lifecycle, from concept and algorithm design to system integration, testing and troubleshooting of safety-critical navigation and autonomy software in C++. Works with a multidisciplinary team on real-time embedded systems, hardware/software-in-the-loop testing and flight test activities, producing design documentation and test reports.
National Crime Agency Gillingham £47,049 pa
Lead drone pilot for the NCA's Technical Operations unmanned vehicle programme, responsible for flight planning and clearances, piloting a range of UAS and USV platforms, and developing innovative technical surveillance capabilities. The role involves training the drone cadre, engaging with the Civil Aviation Authority and suppliers, and acting as subject matter expert on unmanned vehicles.
ECM Selection Cambridge £60,000 – £90,000 pa
Lead applied RF engineering work, advancing signal processing pipelines and developing next-generation prototype technologies for defence and security applications. Day-to-day involves Python data analysis and prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch), digital signal processing, SDR frameworks and analysis of wireless protocols. Fully on-site near the Cambridgeshire/Essex border, with security clearance required.
ECM Selection Cambridge £55,000 – £70,000 pa
Hands-on optical engineering role designing systems with lasers, lenses and cameras, taking products from concept through verification and troubleshooting to production readiness. Works closely with electronics, software and AI colleagues in a multidisciplinary team, integrating optical components with electromechanical systems, ideally using machine learning for machine vision.
ECM Selection Cambridge £90,000 – £130,000 pa
Senior engineer focused on mechanical design for drone detection and tracking systems, solving complex challenges, refining concepts and supporting prototyping in workshop and customer settings. Also involved in PCB-level electronics design, overseeing development and integration with mechanical systems within a small, specialised team.
ECM Selection Cambridge £35,000 – £45,000 pa
Engineer the future of defence and securityThis team is motivated by saving lives in war affected regions and on the battlefield. They believe that by combining advanced technologies from different sectors they can fundamentally change the effectiveness of those we...
Common languages include C++, Python, and JavaScript. Knowledge of real-time operating systems and embedded systems is also beneficial.
While a background in aerospace engineering can be helpful, it is not always necessary. Strong software engineering skills and an understanding of drone systems are more critical.
Key skills include problem-solving, programming proficiency, system integration, and a strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.
Working hours can vary, but most roles follow a standard 9-to-5 schedule, with occasional overtime for project deadlines or critical testing phases.
Salary ranges can vary widely based on experience, location, and company size. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.
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