Hardware engineer jobs in the drone industry are perfect for folks who like their circuits with a side of propellers. These engineers design and test the physical guts of drones—motors, sensors, batteries, payload systems, and all the high-tech wizardry that keeps them airborne and stable. Entry-level hardware engineers might start around $70,000–$90,000, but experienced specialists working on advanced UAV platforms, custom sensors, or military-grade drones can pull in $120,000–$160,000 or more. As drones get lighter, faster, and smarter, the hardware has to keep up—so there’s plenty of income potential for builders who want to shape the next generation of flying machines.