Employers

A variety of industries use unmanned aircraft systems. Many engineers work for aerospace and defense companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, as well as for aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing. Engineers also work for the military, federal agencies, engineering companies, construction companies, and businesses in agriculture, forestry, and computer science.

Starting Out

Many drone engineers get started in their careers through an internship or co-op program while they are in school. They learn about job openings through their career services office and by attending job fairs. Engineers search for job openings also through professional associations, employment Web sites, and by contacting companies directly. Some learn about available positions by attending career fairs and other networking events.

Drone engineers with five or more years of experience advance to senior engineer positions, in which they handle more complex projects and responsibilities. Those with 10 or more years of experience in supervisory roles may become chief engineers, who are responsible for overseeing the progress and completion of drone engineering projects, managing larger teams and staff that may be located in different offices, and traveling to meet with clients and other team members. Drone engineers may become college professors and also teach workshops and speak at conferences hosted by industry associations. Some become consultants.

Learn more about job opportunities by visiting the career section of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Internationals Web site, http://www.auvsi.org/auvsi-resources/jobs.

Learn as much as possible about emerging technology that is being used to design and build drones in order to increase your knowledge of the field and make a good impression during job interviews.

Learn more about unmanned aircraft systems and the Federal Aviation Administrations rules and requirements for flying these systems by visiting the FAAs Web site, https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started.