Senior Drone Propulsion & Motor Engineer

Skydio, Inc.; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio, Inc. in San Mateo, California seeks a Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer to model, architect, optimize, and refine the propulsion systems powering our drones.

You will integrate motor design with control systems from ESCs to motors and propellers, apply finite element and thermal modeling, and drive improvements in performance, efficiency, and size. FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged for eligible applicants, and relocation support may be provided.

Qualifications

• Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms.
• Excellent knowledge on finite element method.
• Knowledge on motor thermal modeling.
• Knowledge on motor control theory.
• Familiarity with outrunner PMSMs in ~500W class.
• End-to-end understanding of drone propulsion systems.

Responsibilities

• Model, architect, and optimize a propulsion system, from ESCs to motors to propellers.
• Understand motor losses and flux, develop test plans and perform measurements.
• Detail motor design and optimization to improve performance, efficiency, and size.
• Explore and design innovative motor technologies.
• Create simulation models for thermal model development and system engineering.
• Integrate and optimize with the motor control team and ESCs.
• End-to-end understanding of drone propulsion from battery to ESC to motors to propellors.

Skills

Electric motor modeling

Finite element method

Thermal modeling

Motor control theory

Propulsion system design

System integration

Outrunner PMSMs knowledge

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Skydio, Inc. in San Mateo, California seeks a Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer to model, architect, optimize, and refine the propulsion systems powering our drones.

You will integrate motor design with control systems from ESCs to motors and propellers, apply finite element and thermal modeling, and drive improvements in performance, efficiency, and size. FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged for eligible applicants, and relocation support may be provided.