Aviation Compliance Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits packages

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A leading drone technology company based in San Mateo, CA is looking for an Aviation Compliance Manager to oversee aviation authorizations and ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in aviation compliance, deep knowledge of FAA regulations, and excellent communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical operations in a rapidly evolving industry, facilitating life-saving missions with the latest drone technology.

Qualifications

• Experience in aviation compliance or regulatory operations.
• Ability to manage documentation systems and regulatory record-keeping.
• Ability to build structured processes in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead aviation authorizations and operational approvals.
• Manage FAA registrations and compliance documents.
• Maintain operations manual and aviation-related policies.

Skills

Aviation compliance experience

Strong knowledge of FAA UAS regulations

Strong written communication skills

Collaboration across teams

Education

B.A. or B.S. degree in aviation, engineering or related field

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 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.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Skydio is the largest American drone company whose products are used by thousands of organizations across critical infrastructure, public safety, energy utilities and many sectors. If you want to enable life‑saving missions and join a rocket‑ship company that is transforming drone technology, this is the job for you.

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 record‑keeping.
• 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 record‑keeping.
• 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 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/.