Prototyping Specialist

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a Prototyping Specialist in California to design and build electromechanical fixtures, test rigs, and enclosures for the hardware team. You will move quickly from CAD to finished hardware and tackle a range of projects from quick-turn tasks to weeks-long builds.

The role emphasizes seniority, hands-on fabrication, CNC programming, wiring, and integrating components. Expect collaboration with engineers, fast iteration, and safe lab practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and fabricating prototype hardware, fixtures, or test equipment.
• Strong CAD skills and experience programming, setting up, and running CNC mills.
• Proficiency with machining (manual and CNC), 3D printing, and wood/metal fabrication tools.
• Experience with electromechanical design, including enclosures and fixtures for circuit boards.
• Electrical wiring and troubleshooting experience, including single-phase 220VAC equipment and power conversion.

Responsibilities

• Design and build electromechanical fixtures, test rigs, and enclosures, moving quickly from CAD to finished hardware.
• Build custom rigs that integrate electrical elements such as wiring, power distribution, and actuators.
• Create parts and assemblies using 3D printing, CNC and manual machining, and wood and metal shop tools.
• Run quick-turn CNC rework to unblock prototype builds and machine changes.
• Create lab upgrades and custom builds to improve lab efficiency and safety.

Skills

5+ years experience

CAD skills

CNC milling

Machining

Electromechanical design

Electrical wiring

Project multitasking

Tools

CNC mills

3D printing

Shop tools (wood/metal)

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:

The Hardware Development team is relied upon by nearly every engineer in the Hardware organization at Skydio. We take on whatever engineers need to keep hardware moving.

As a Prototyping Specialist, you’ll combine strong design skills with hands-on fabrication to build the fixtures, rigs, and test setups our engineers depend on. You’ll be one of the most senior members of the team and the person others turn to for the hardest problems, from tricky CNC rework to wiring up new test equipment. The work is varied: some jobs take 30 minutes, while others are one-off custom equipment that takes weeks or months to design and build.

How you'll make an impact:

• Design and build electromechanical fixtures, test rigs, and enclosures, moving quickly from CAD to finished hardware.

• Build custom 80/20 rigs that often integrate electrical elements such as wiring, power distribution, and actuators.

• Make parts and assemblies using 3D printing, CNC and manual machining, and wood and metal shop tools.

• Run quick-turn CNC rework to unblock prototype builds: rapidly design and make fixtures that hold complex part geometry, then machine the changes.

• Create custom lab and infrastructure improvements, from tooling that solves a specific problem to custom builds and installations that make our lab spaces more efficient and safe.

What makes you a good fit:

• 5+ years of experience designing and fabricating prototype hardware, fixtures, or test equipment

• Strong CAD skills, plus experience independently programming, setting up, and running CNC mills

• Proficiency with machining (manual and CNC), 3D printing, and wood and metal fabrication tools such as saws, drill presses, grinders, and sanders

• Experience with electromechanical design, including enclosures and fixtures that house circuit boards

• Electrical wiring and troubleshooting experience, including single-phase 220VAC equipment and power conversion

• A track record of moving fast from idea to working hardware, often with the parts on hand

• Comfort juggling and prioritizing many tasks that vary widely in scope and scale

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 $128,000 - $150,000*. 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/