Senior Autonomy Engineer - Controls

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive benefits packages

Paid vacation and sick leave

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

A leading autonomous technology firm in San Mateo, California, is seeking a skilled software engineer to develop and implement motion planning software for drones. The role focuses on creating controllers that ensure stable flight and tasks such as inspection and security. The ideal candidate is proficient in C++ and has experience in controlling hardware systems. This position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 - $250,000, along with equity options and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Industry or research experience in software controlling real hardware.
• Solid software engineering foundation and commitment to clean coding.

Responsibilities

• Develop, tune, and evaluate low-level controllers and trajectory optimization.
• Define the right data and interfaces for successful control in the software system.
• Collaborate with the UX team to explore new planning/UI boundaries.

Skills

C++

Dynamic programming

Non-linear optimization

Control design methods

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 controls algorithms running onboard our autonomous drones define its behavior, creating stable/smooth flight and gimbal motion. This enables our pilots to easily execute their objectives from inspection & mapping to missions and security use cases. You will contribute to the development and implementation of the core motion planning software touching everything from the low‑level stabilization and control, to high‑level task‑specific frameworks, with a particular focus on the low‑level controls.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Develop, tune, and evaluate low level controllers and trajectory optimization
• Work across the software system to define the right data and interfaces for successful control
• Work with the UX team to explore and define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Industry or Research experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping manipulation of a robotic arm, self‑driving cars, aerial robots, or any kind of mobile robot
• Modern and classical control design methods
• High proficiency in C++
• Dynamic programming
• Non‑linear optimization
• Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well‑architected code

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 $160,000 - $250,000. 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 and receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401(k) 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/.