Learn what a drone engineer does, what skills and education you need, and how you can get started in this exciting and growing field.

To become a Drone Reliability Engineer, or a RAMS Engineer, you need to understand Systems Engineering and be very good at understanding maintenance concepts and statistics, so you can quantify what going on, and set thresholds for where you need to be. I worked on both tactical and reconnaissance drones, with a fixed wing design under 2 meters and then I worked on High Altitude Pseudo Satellites aka HAPS drones, that would fly mission durations of 4,320 hours or 6 months 24/7 with no servicing. These long mission HAPS drone had to be very damage tolerant designs.

What does a drone engineer do?

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can perform various tasks, such as aerial photography, surveillance, delivery, and mapping. They are controlled by remote pilots or autonomous software, and they rely on sensors, cameras, and GPS to navigate and communicate. But who designs, builds, and maintains these flying machines? That's the job of a drone engineer, a specialized type of aerospace engineer who works with drones.

1 What skills do you need?

To become a drone engineer, you need a strong background in math, physics, and engineering. You also need to master the software and hardware that are used to create and operate drones, such as CAD, MATLAB, Python, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. Additionally, you need to have a good understanding of the regulations and safety standards that apply to drones, as well as the ethical and social implications of their use. Finally, you need to have creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, as you will often work on projects with other engineers and clients.

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Steven Melander

Reliability, Maintenance and System Safety Engineering Solutions. Pilot, Flight Test, V/STOL, EV & Autonomous. Loitering Munitions, Counter Drone. Pt 107. Mission Assurance. Survivability. Failure Analysis. Life Safety.
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To become a Drone Reliability Engineer, or a RAMS Engineer, you need to understand Systems Engineering and be very good at understanding maintenance concepts and statistics, so you can quantify what going on, and set thresholds for where you need to be. I worked on both tactical and reconnaissance drones, with a fixed wing design under 2 meters and then I worked on High Altitude Pseudo Satellites aka HAPS drones, that would fly mission durations of 4,320 hours or 6 months 24/7 with no servicing. These long mission HAPS drone had to be very damage tolerant designs.

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Paul Rossi

"Just Do(ing) It, Husband, Father, UAS / Drone Delivery, Space Operations"
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Aerospace Engineering Knowledge: Understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials used in drone construction. Electrical Engineering: Proficiency in circuit design, control systems, and sensor integration. Software Development: Ability to program and troubleshoot drone software, including flight control algorithms and data processing. Problem-Solving Abilities: Creative and analytical skills to address design challenges and improve drone performance. Attention to Detail: Precision in designing, testing, and refining drone components. Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively in teams and conveying complex technical information clearly. Continual Learning: Staying updated with evolving drone technologies and regulations.

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2 What education do you need?

The most common path to becoming a drone engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Some universities offer specialized courses or programs in drone engineering, where you can learn the fundamentals of drone design, development, testing, and operation. You may also need to obtain a license or certification from the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, to fly drones legally and professionally.

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Paul Rossi

"Just Do(ing) It, Husband, Father, UAS / Drone Delivery, Space Operations"
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To become a drone engineer, typically, a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required. This education provides fundamental knowledge in design, aerodynamics, control systems, and electronics. Courses in robotics, computer science, and unmanned aerial systems are highly beneficial. Additional skills in software programming, CAD design, and hands-on experience with drones through internships or projects can enhance employability. Continuous learning and staying updated with rapidly evolving drone technology are also crucial. Certifications in specific drone technologies or software may be advantageous.

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3 What do you do on a typical day?

A typical day for a drone engineer may differ depending on the type and stage of the project they are working on. For instance, they could be researching and developing new concepts and technologies for drones, such as improved propulsion systems, sensors, or algorithms. Furthermore, they may be designing and modeling drone components and systems using CAD software and simulations, or building and assembling drone prototypes with 3D printers, soldering irons, and wires. Additionally, a drone engineer may test and debug drone performance and functionality with software tools, wind tunnels, and flight tests. Moreover, they may need to document and report the results of tests and experiments, as well as collaborate and communicate with other engineers, clients, and stakeholders to ensure the quality and feasibility of the drone solutions.

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4 What are the challenges and rewards?

Being a drone engineer can be both challenging and rewarding. Challenges may include dealing with complex and dynamic problems, working under tight deadlines and budgets, and following legal and ethical guidelines. Additionally, drone engineers must ensure the safety and reliability of the drones, their operators, as well as the people and environment around them. On the other hand, rewards include having the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with a positive impact on various industries, being part of a growing and exciting field with many career opportunities, and experiencing the thrill of seeing your creations fly.

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Christian Iglesias Suárez

Strategy & Business | Air Transport, Airports & Infrastructure
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Sky is the limit. El mundo de la ingeniería y de los proyectos de innovación como son los drones está lleno de desafíos y cada día aparece uno nuevo. Un nuevo problema que solucionar o una nueva tecnología que lo cambia todo. Es un entorno dinámico y vivo que necesita rápida adaptación. Siendo un sector pequeño dentro del mundo aeronáutico puede ser relativamente sencillo crecer y adquirir posiciones de responsabilidad ya que este es un mercado en nacimiento, está dando sus primeros pasos y ser de los primeros puede ayudar a adquirir mucha experiencia, conocimiento y relevancia en el sector.

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5 How do you get started?

If you’re interested in becoming a drone engineer, there are several steps you can take to get started. Firstly, explore your passion and curiosity for drones by reading books, articles, blogs, and podcasts about their applications. Additionally, you can learn the basics of drone engineering by taking online courses, watching videos, or joining workshops and camps. You can also join a drone community or club to meet and network with other enthusiasts, experts, and professionals. Moreover, seek mentorship and guidance from a drone engineer who can advise you on your education and career path. Finally, pursue a degree and certification in drone engineering, as well as internships or entry-level jobs that give you hands-on experience in the industry.

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Adel Shalabi

Computer Engineer | Automotive Software Engineer | IM Motors
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A drone engineer is a professional responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Their role involves a wide range of tasks related to drone technology and its applications. Here's a breakdown of what a drone engineer typically does: Design and Development: Drone engineers participate in the conceptualization and design of drone platforms tailored to specific purposes or industries. They work on aerodynamic design, structural engineering, propulsion systems, and payload integration to create drones optimized for their intended applications.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What does a drone engineer do?

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1 What skills do you need?

2 What education do you need?

3 What do you do on a typical day?

4 What are the challenges and rewards?

5 How do you get started?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Drones

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What does a drone engineer do?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What skills do you need?

2 What education do you need?

3 What do you do on a typical day?

4 What are the challenges and rewards?

5 How do you get started?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Drones

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