Where could drones take you?

There is no single correct path. People reach these careers through work, certificates, community college, university, the military, or starting a business, and many switch routes along the way.

1. Stage 1

   What you can do now

   • See how thrust-to-weight works in Build-a-Drone
   • Learn the forces of flight (English/Spanish) (opens in a new tab)

2. Stage 2

   High-school preparation

   • Physics
   • Calculus
   • CAD / engineering design
   • Chemistry

3. Stage 3

   Skills to build

   • CAD (Onshape, Fusion, SolidWorks)
   • 3D printing and prototyping
   • Aerodynamics basics
   • Weight and power budgeting
   • Testing and iteration

4. Stage 4

   Certifications

   • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (minimum age 16)
   • CAD certifications (e.g. CSWA)
   • FE exam → PE license later

5. Stage 5

   Portfolio projects

   • A CAD-designed and 3D-printed frame part
   • Design notebook with trade studies
   • Test data comparing two prop/motor combinations

6. Stage 6

   After high school: choose a route

   UniversityCommunity collegeMilitary

   • University

     Aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineering degrees.

     e.g. Aerospace engineering · Mechanical engineering

   • Community college

     Engineering transfer programs are an affordable first two years.

     e.g. Engineering transfer / pre-engineering

   • Military

     ROTC and service academies lead to engineering officer roles.

     e.g. ROTC · Service academies

   Compare programs in Opportunity Radar

7. Stage 7

   Possible entry-level positions

   • Engineering intern
   • CAD designer
   • Test engineer

8. Stage 8

   Long-term careers

   • Aerospace engineer
   • Systems engineer
   • Chief engineer
   • Startup founder