Autonomy Software Engineer

Perot Jain; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (stock options)

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Job summary

Skydio in San Mateo, CA, is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to advance our autonomous systems across inspection, mapping, and deployment tasks. You will own end-to-end development of new capabilities, from algorithms to customer deployment, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role demands hands-on experience with autonomous robotics, proficiency in C++ and Python, and a drive to deliver reliable, safe operation in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of production-level code for autonomous robots (preferably flying robots).
• Experience implementing state-of-the-art algorithms in robotics-adjacent areas (vision, state estimation, motion planning, controls).
• Strong software engineering fundamentals; clean, maintainable code.

Responsibilities

• Build autonomous capabilities through cross-functional collaboration with vision, planning & controls, deep learning, infrastructure, embedded, cloud, mobile, design, product, and flight test teams.
• Develop core robotics algorithms to expand autonomous envelope in challenging environments (night, urban canyons, GNSS/C2 interference, sea, precipitation).
• Triage customer issues, identify trends, and improve system resilience in the field.

Skills

C++

Python

Autonomous robots

Vision

State estimation

Motion planning

Controls

Sensor characterization

UAS software/hardware

Cross-functional collaboration

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, your primary goal will be to make our autonomy system more capable and more reliable for all of our customers. You will own developing new autonomous capabilities end-to-end and deploying these capabilities to customers tackling a wide range of use cases, including inspection & mapping, drone-as-first-responder (DFR), security/patrols, situational awareness, and more. These represent some of the first real-world deployments of truly autonomous robots performing valuable tasks in large and critical industries.

How you\'ll make an impact:

• Build cutting-edge autonomous capabilities through tight cross functional collaboration with our vision, planning & controls, deep learning, infrastructure, embedded, cloud, mobile, design, product, and flight test teams
• Develop core robotics algorithms to expand our autonomous operational envelope in challenging environmental conditions, including night time, in urban canyons, in areas of GNSS and C2 interference, at sea, and in precipitation
• Triage customer issues, recognize trends, and rapidly make our system more resilient to failures seen in the field
• Research investments in simulated and in-real-life test infrastructure
• Develop a deep understanding of core robotics principles coupled with a full understanding of how our system works
• Help out across the full software stack when needed, maintaining the highest standards for code quality and proactively addressing tech debt
• Conceive, design, implement, simulate, evaluate, and fly new motion planning strategies to extend capabilities and improve customer experience

What makes you a good fit:

1. 1+ years of experience writing production level code for autonomous robots, preferably flying robots with a high level of proficiency in C++ and Python
2. Practical experience implementing state of the art algorithms in a robotics-adjacent area including computer vision, state estimation, motion planning, controls, sensor characterization and integration, UAS software and hardware development
3. Highly curious, creative, and able to communicate concepts to non-technical audiences
4. Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well-designed, maintainable, readable code
5. Excited to use robotics to make the world safer, more productive, and more creative

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 $147,000 - $210,000*. 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.

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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.

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