Senior Autonomy Engineer - Computer Vision

Socket.dev; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits plans

Stipends

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a skilled computer vision engineer to architect and implement real-time computer vision algorithms for drone autonomy. You will work with researchers and engineers to push state-of-the-art in perception and navigation on resource-constrained hardware.

The role emphasizes strong math, robust software engineering, and hands-on experience with visual odometry, SLAM, and probabilistic inference. Collaboration, fast pace, and impact-driven work are valued.

Qualifications

• Strong math and algorithms alignment with real world problems.
• Hands-on experience with visual odometry, SLAM, and mapping.
• Proficiency in probabilistic inference and 3D geometry.
• Optimization for computation constrained environments.
• Deep learning - training data, neural networks, online learning.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, classification, and detection algorithms.
• Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users.
• Characterize and quantify the performance of the vision system.
• Research and prototype new approaches.
• Be a generalist helping out on all aspects of the software when needed.

Skills

C++

Visual odometry

State estimation

Mapping

SLAM

Probabilistic inference

3D geometry

Deep Learning

Software engineering

Real-time systems

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 core of our system is the computer vision algorithms that allow drones to understand the world around them. You will architect and implement the algorithms that run on every drone powered by Skydio as part of a world class computer vision team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry.

We are looking for people who bring together an understanding of the relevant theory, solid software skills, and an ability to drive through to working solutions.

How you'll make an impact:

• Design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, classification, and detection algorithms

• Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users

• Characterize and quantify the performance of the vision system

• Research and prototype new approaches

• Be a generalist helping out on all aspects of the software when needed

What makes you a good fit:

• More important than specific domain experience is an ability to make the math, the algorithms, and the code all line up and work well on real world problems

• Hands-on experience with visual odometry, state estimation, mapping, and SLAM

• Proficiency with probabilistic inference and 3d geometry

• Optimization for computationally constrained environments

• Deep Learning - training data, neural networks, online learning

• Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well architected code

• High proficiency in C++

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, collaborative, small team environment

Compensation Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - 277,500*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends.

*For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.

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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/