Product Design Engineer - Camera

Skydio, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio, Inc. is seeking a Product Design Engineer to design, prototype, test, and refine the mechanical systems for camera modules.

You will create CAD models and drawings, prototype concepts, and collaborate with mechanical, optical, and electrical teams to ensure reliable, production-ready solutions. You’ll build prototypes, run lab tests, analyze results, and help scale designs for manufacturing while maintaining a strong focus on precision, quality, and environmental resilience in fast-paced

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience applying mechanical-engineering fundamentals and analytical problem-solving to physical products or electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and the ability to create clear mechanical drawings; CATIA strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, materials, and common manufacturing processes.
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC machining) and hands-on assembly.
• Experience designing parts for injection molding, CNC machining, metal forming or casting.
• Strong laboratory skills and ability to use mechanical measurement/test equipment.
• Ability to document test methods, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly.
• Detail-oriented, methodical, and able to debug, characterize, and perform failure analysis.
• Ability to collaborate across mechanical, optical, electrical, reliability, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced product-development environment.
• A strong interest in cameras, precision mechanisms, robotics, drones, or imaging systems.
• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged/required for some roles.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D CAD models and production-ready 2D drawings for camera parts, assemblies, test equipment, and related mechanical systems.
• Support mechanical design and integration of camera modules, lenses, image sensors, actuators, thermal solutions, electronics, flex circuits, seals, and structures.
• Design and build prototypes to evaluate concepts and mechanical architectures.
• Design test jigs, fixtures, and measurement setups for development, characterization, and validation.
• Perform tolerance analyses to evaluate fit, alignment, and mechanical performance.
• Prototype components and assemblies using 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands-on assembly.
• Support finite element analysis and interpretation of results.
• Plan and conduct laboratory testing, analyze results, and communicate findings.
• Characterize components for dimensions, torque, force, stiffness, and thermal performance.
• Investigate failures and develop corrective actions.
• Support reliability and optical testing, including setup, data collection, and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external vendors to improve designs.
• Contribute throughout product development from concept to mass production.

Skills

3D CAD

CATIA

GD&T

Rapid prototyping

Laboratory testing

Engineering documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Camera systems

Robotics interest

Education

Master's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CATIA CAD tool

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 cameras are critical to autonomous navigation, situational awareness, and capturing high-quality imagery in demanding environments. As a Product Design Engineer, you will help design, prototype, test, and refine the mechanical systems that enable our camera modules to perform reliably.

You will work hands‑on with camera components and assemblies, collaborating closely with mechanical, optical, electrical, reliability, manufacturing, and supplier engineering teams. This is an individual‑contributor role suited to an engineer who enjoys detailed mechanical design, rapid prototyping, laboratory work, and methodical problem‑solving.

How you’ll make an impact

Create 3D CAD models and production‑ready 2D drawings for camera parts, assemblies, test equipment, and related mechanical systems.

Support the mechanical design and integration of camera modules, lenses, image sensors, actuators, thermal solutions, electronics, flex circuits, seals, and structural components.

Design and build prototypes to evaluate new concepts, integration approaches, and mechanical architectures.

Design test jigs, fixtures, and measurement setups for camera development, characterization, assembly, and validation.

Perform tolerance analyses to evaluate fit, alignment, optical positioning, assembly variation, and mechanical performance.

Prototype components and assemblies using methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands‑on assembly.

Support finite element analysis, including the preparation of models, definition of boundary conditions, correlation with physical testing, and interpretation of results.

Plan and conduct laboratory testing, analyze results, and communicate findings through clear engineering reports.

Characterize camera components and assemblies, including dimensions, torque, force, stiffness, thermal performance, and resistance to heat, water, and other environmental conditions.

Investigate mechanical and electromechanical failures, identify root causes, and help develop and validate corrective actions.

Support reliability and optical testing, including test setup development, sample preparation, execution, data collection, and failure analysis.

Work with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external vendors to support component fabrication, inspection, assembly, and design improvements.

Contribute throughout the product‑development cycle, from early concepts and prototypes through design validation, pre‑production, and mass‑production support.

What Makes You a Good Fit:

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience applying mechanical‑engineering fundamentals and analytical problem‑solving to the development of physical products or electromechanical systems.

Proficiency in 3D CAD and the ability to create clear, well‑constructed mechanical part and assembly drawings. Experience with CATIA is strongly preferred.

Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance analysis, materials, and common manufacturing processes.

Experience with rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands‑on mechanical assembly.

Familiarity with designing parts for processes such as injection molding, CNC machining, metal forming, or casting.

Practical laboratory skills and confidence using mechanical measurement and test equipment.

Ability to document test methods, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly.

A detail‑oriented and methodical approach to debugging, characterization, and failure analysis.

Ability to collaborate effectively across mechanical, optical, electrical, reliability, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn while working in a fast‑paced product‑development environment.

A strong interest in cameras, precision mechanisms, robotics, drones, or imaging systems.

Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

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. 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.

#LI-AM1

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/

Prior US Government Employment?

Do you currently, or have you in the last 10 years, worked for the US government (e.g., Congressional staffer, member of military, state, or federal agencies)?

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION

(Completion is voluntary and will not subject you to adverse treatment)

Skydio provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Skydio is a federal contractor or subcontractor subject to certain governmental recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil rights laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job‑related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

We invite all applicants to voluntarily self‑identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.

• Hispanic or Latino - A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.
• White (Not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
• Black or African American (Not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
• Asian (Not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• American Indian or Alaska Native (Not Hispanic or Latino) - A person having origins in any