Senior Autonomy Engineer - Computer Vision

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

Job summary

Skydio, the leading US drone company, is seeking a highly capable Computer Vision Engineer to advance real-time perception on our autonomous flight platform.

You will design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, and detection algorithms, collaborating with a world-class team to drive rapid product iteration.

Strong C++ skills and experience with SLAM, visual odometry, and deep learning are essential for shaping the next generation of autonomous drones.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in computer vision and algorithms required.
• Proficiency in C++ and software engineering best practices.
• Experience with real-time computer vision systems and robotics.
• Familiarity with SLAM, VO, mapping, and state estimation.
• Experience with probabilistic inference and 3D geometry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, classification, and detection algorithms
• Imagine and implement new features that unlock magic for 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++

Computer vision

Visual odometry

State estimation

SLAM

3D geometry

Probabilistic inference

Deep Learning

Software engineering

Real-time systems

Optimization

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.

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/