Autonomy Engineer - Fixed Wing Planning & Controls

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits packages

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Job summary

A leading drone technology company in California is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to contribute to the development of the core planning and control stack. The ideal candidate has strong proficiency in C++ and Python, experience shipping software for real hardware, and knowledge of aircraft dynamics. As part of the team, you will architect and flight test motion planning strategies while working in a diverse environment that values innovation and collaboration. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in real-time contexts.
• Experience shipping software that controls real hardware, e.g., aircraft, drones, robots, etc.
• Commitment to writing clean, well-designed, maintainable, readable code.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Proficiency in C++

Proficiency in Python

Knowledge of aircraft and rotorcraft dynamics

Experience with non-linear optimization

Control theory and practice

Software engineering fundamentals

Collaboration in larger code bases

Job description

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 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 401K 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/.