Embedded Firmware Engineer – Autonomous Drones

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

401K savings plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Skydio in the United States is seeking an embedded software engineer to architect, build out, and lead the development of current and future drone products in a fast-paced environment. You will drive real-time firmware design, integrate sensors, and bring up hardware across vehicle subsystems, ensuring robust flight software.

The role emphasizes clean, efficient C++ in embedded systems, collaboration with hardware teams, and hands-on debugging, with impact on autonomy and safety features of

Qualifications

• Ability to write modern C++ in a real-time embedded environment.
• Python development experience is required.
• Ability to write clean code with proper abstraction boundaries.
• SOC development with Qualcomm devices is a plus; embedded microcontrollers and camera drivers are desirable.
• Practical experience writing firmware for a physical device.
• Embedded Linux userspace and kernel development experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of low-level firmware.
• Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization.
• Knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly level.
• Embedded security and cryptographic firmware development.
• FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged/required for certain roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and architecture of complex systems
• Design and implement the embedded software that runs on the vehicle
• Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. next-gen camera, radio)
• Bring up and debug new hardware
• Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and other devices

Skills

Real-time C++

Python development

Abstraction boundaries

SOC development

Firmware/embedded

Embedded Linux

Low-level firmware

Hardware bring-up

ARM debugging

Security/cryptographic firmware

FAA Part 107 knowledge

Job description

Skydio in the United States is seeking an embedded software engineer to architect, build out, and lead the development of current and future drone products in a fast-paced environment. You will drive real-time firmware design, integrate sensors, and bring up hardware across vehicle subsystems, ensuring robust flight software.

The role emphasizes clean, efficient C++ in embedded systems, collaboration with hardware teams, and hands-on debugging, with impact on autonomy and safety features of