Autonomy Engineer - Fixed Wing Planning & Controls

Skydio Inc.; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits packages

Paid vacation time

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

A leading US drone company in San Mateo is seeking an experienced Autonomy Engineer to develop and implement innovative motion planning strategies for drones. The ideal candidate has strong proficiency in C++ and Python, a solid understanding of aircraft dynamics, and experience with hardware control. This position offers a competitive salary range of $170,000 to $240,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and equity options.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in real-time contexts.
• Experience shipping software that controls real hardware like aircraft and drones.
• Knowledge of aircraft and rotorcraft dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement new motion planning strategies.
• Develop and analyze new flight controllers.
• Refine aerodynamic and dynamic models using simulation data.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Knowledge of aircraft dynamics

Non-linear optimization

Control theory

Software engineering fundamentals

Collaboration in codebase

Job description

San Mateo, California, United States - Full-time

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best‑in‑class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond.

About the Role:

As an Autonomy Engineer you will contribute to the development and implementation of the core planning & control stack on F10, Skydio’s tailsitter platform. The F10 must reliably operate in the many tailsitter aerodynamic regimes – this coupled with the longer horizon of a faster vehicle makes the planning and control problems challenging and unique.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Architect, implement, simulate, and flight test new motion planning strategies
• Develop, tune, and analyze new flight controllers
• Refine and understand the aerodynamic and dynamic model of a tailsitter aircraft using simulated and flight test data
• Inform aspects of hardware design such as sensor requirements and aerodynamic control authority through simulation and analysis
• Get out of your comfort zone and help across the stack where needed

What Makes You a Good Fit:

• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in real‑time contexts
• Experience shipping software that controls real hardware, e.g. aircraft, drones, robots, etc.
• Knowledge of aircraft and rotorcraft dynamics
• Experience with non‑linear optimization
• Modern and classical control theory and practice
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well‑designed, maintainable, readable code
• Experience collaborating in a larger code base

Compensation:

At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full‑time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 – $240,000*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long‑term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full‑time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company’s success. Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401(k) savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti‑discrimination laws.

For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/