Drone Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Drone engineers develop drones based on their knowledge of different branches of engineering, such as aeronautical, electronics and electrical, mechanical, and robotics engineering. Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones may be used for commercial, consumer, or combat purposes. For example, they may be used to survey damage after natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, gather military intelligence, survey land for real estate and construction purposes, and collect information on crops and endangered species. Man...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Many drone engineers have educational backgrounds in electrical, electronics, mechanical, software, hardware, and industrial engineering. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that engineers earned the following salaries by specialty in May 2023.
- electrical engineers: $69,320 to $172,050+
- electronics engineers: $76,700 to $179,690+
- hardware engineers: $81,630...
Work Environment
Drone engineers work in offices and may travel at times to indoor and outdoor worksites to check and test equipment. Travel may also be required for meetings. Drone engineers often work more than 40 hours per week. They work independently and on teams with other engineers, engineering technicians, and others involved in their projects. This career can be stressful, especially when under deadlin...
Outlook
The unmanned aircraft systems industry continues to grow, and drone engineers will be needed by various industries to meet increasing demand for drones. More consumers are buying and using small drones, and the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems is also expected to continue growing. The market value of the global commercial drone industry was $19.89 billion in 2022, according to Grand ...