Aviation Compliance Lead

Skydio Inc.; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation time

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

A leading drone technology company is seeking an Aviation Compliance Manager in San Mateo, California. This full-time position involves managing aviation authorizations, FAA drone registrations, and continuous improvement of compliance processes. The ideal candidate has experience in aviation compliance and strong knowledge of FAA regulations. Competitive compensation package includes a salary range of $150,000 – $212,000 and benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Experience in aviation compliance, regulatory operations, or safety management.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and approval frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage aviation documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage FAA drone registrations and compliance documents.
• Maintain Skydio’s operations manual and aviation policies.
• Develop internal compliance training content.

Skills

Aviation compliance experience

FAA UAS regulations knowledge

Safety management

Written communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.A. or B.S. degree

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

Skydio’s mission is to make the world more productive, creative, and safe through autonomous flight. We are seeking an Aviation Compliance Manager to join our Global Aviation Regulatory team. This role will serve as the responsible compliance lead for Skydio‑held aviation authorizations and approvals. You will partner closely with regulatory, flight operations, training, and program stakeholders to standardize processes and ensure operational compliance at scale.

How You’ll Make an Impact

This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role at the core of Skydio’s aviation safety and compliance culture, where you will:

• Serve as the responsible lead for Skydio‑held aviation authorizations and operational approvals.
• Manage FAA drone registrations, product compliance documents, waiver tracking, and other regulatory recordkeeping.
• Maintain and continuously improve Skydio’s operations manual and aviation‑related policies and procedures.
• Support pilot certification tracking, safety training programs, and compliance briefings.
• Partner closely with regulatory and operational leaders to ensure consistent adherence across programs.
• Develop and deliver internal compliance and safety enablement content.
• Support customer compliance inquiries and contribute to Regulatory Services engagements by helping develop operational approval requests and guiding customers through approval pathways.

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Experience in aviation compliance, regulatory operations, safety management, or a related aviation field.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA UAS regulations and approval frameworks.
• Experience managing aviation documentation systems, manuals, and compliance recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale structured processes in a growing, operationally complex environment.
• Strong written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally across regulatory, operational, and training teams.
• Comfort operating in a high‑visibility environment where regulatory expectations are evolving.
• A B.A. or B.S. degree required; aviation, engineering, or related field preferred.

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 $150,000 – $212,000. 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.

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/

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.