Flight Test Engineer - Camera Quality

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

401K savings plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a Flight Test Engineer specializing in Camera and Image Quality to validate drone imaging performance across diverse conditions. You will run field tests, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with hardware and software teams to optimize camera systems for customers.

The role requires strong testing discipline, experience with imaging pipelines, and hands-on outdoor testing. This office-based position is onsite at Skydio HQ in San Mateo, CA.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of camera systems and image quality fundamentals.
• Background in software QA/testing related to imaging systems.
• Experience with mobile app testing interfacing with cameras.
• Excellent communication and test-result documentation.
• Hands-on outdoor testing experience and field data gathering.
• FAA Part 107 license is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform regression tests to ensure camera systems remain optimal after updates.
• Execute master testing of camera functionalities affecting image capture/processing.
• Collaborate with hardware team to refine camera systems for customers.
• Identify and troubleshoot camera-specific issues such as image quality degradation.
• Gather flight data and provide insights to improve camera performance.
• Work with product and flight test teams to keep camera systems best-in-class.

Skills

Camera systems & image quality

Software QA/testing

Mobile app testing (iOS/Android)

Test documentation

Outdoor field testing

FAA Part 107 license

Tools

Imatest

Logging systems

Proprietary testing tools

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 team

Our team focuses on ensuring the highest quality of camera systems, working at the intersection of hardware and software testing. We collaborate closely with hardware engineers, camera tuning experts, and flight test engineers to optimize the performance of drone imaging systems. We employ data-driven testing approaches, using massive amounts of flight data to assess image quality and overall system stability. Our tools include Imatest for data analysis, custom-built logging systems, and proprietary tools for testing image quality in various lighting conditions.

About the role

Skydio is seeking an enthusiastic Flight Test Engineer with a strong understanding of cameras and image quality to ensure that the units we are shipping to customers are of the highest standard. This role requires a rigorous approach to testing complex systems, particularly the camera components, across a wide spectrum of environmental and operating conditions, ensuring the overall system performs optimally. As a Flight Test Engineer focused on Camera and Image Quality, you will be critical in ensuring that Skydio's drones deliver unparalleled imaging performance across a wide range of environmental conditions. Your expertise in camera systems will be essential as you run field tests, identify and troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with various teams to optimize product performance. You will have the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge drone technology and influence the quality of Skydio's cameras.

Location

This is an office-based position that requires 5 days/week onsite at Skydio HQ in San Mateo, CA.

How you'll make an impact

• Perform regression tests to ensure that camera systems maintain optimal performance after software or hardware updates
• Execute master testing of camera functionalities to validate new software that affects image capture and processing
• Collaborate with the hardware team to refine and optimize camera systems for customer use
• Identify and troubleshoot camera-specific issues, such as image quality degradation, exposure control, and focus inconsistencies
• Gather and analyze flight data to provide actionable insights that improve camera system performance and stability
• Work with product teams and flight test engineers to ensure that Skydio's camera systems are best-in-class

What makes you a good fit

• Strong understanding of camera systems and image quality fundamentals, with experience in exposure, color accuracy, and focus control
• Background in software QA/testing, especially related to imaging systems
• Familiarity with mobile app testing (iOS/Android) and how they interface with camera systems
• Excellent communication skills with a focus on documenting camera performance and test results
• Hands-on experience with cameras in a testing or production environment, with a desire to spend significant time outdoors running tests
• FAA Part 107 license certification is required for this role

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 $135,000 - 180,000*. 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 group health insurance plans.

*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/