Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401K plan

Health insurance

Job summary

Skydio is seeking an engineer focused on electric motors and propulsion to model, architect, optimize, and refine propulsion systems powering our drones. You will contribute across ESCs, motors, and propellers with emphasis on performance and efficiency.

The role involves thermal modeling, motor loss characterization, and motor control theory to advance autonomous flight technology. FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Must be able to model, architect, and optimize propulsion systems from ESCs to motors to propellers.
• Understand electric motor losses and flux; develop test plans and measurements.
• Design and optimize motors to improve performance, efficiency and size.

Responsibilities

• Create simulation models for thermal development and system engineering.
• Integrate and optimize with motor control team and ESCs.
• Explore and design innovative motor technologies.

Skills

Mathematical modeling

Finite element analysis

Thermal modeling

Electric motor losses

Control theory

Tools

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

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 Skydio:

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:

We are looking for an engineer with a focus on electric motors and propulsion systems to help model, architect, optimize, and refine the electric propulsion systems that power our drones.

How you'll make an impact:

• Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms
• Excellent knowledge on finite element method
• Knowledge on motor thermal modeling
• Experience on electric motor loss characterization
• Knowledge on motor control theory

What makes you a good fit:

• Being able to model, architect, and optimize a propulsion system, from ESCs to motors to propellers
• Understanding electric motor losses and flux, develop test plans and perform measurements
• Detailed motor design and optimization to optimize performance, efficiency and size
• Explore and design innovative motor technologies
• Create simulation model for thermal model development and system engineering
• Integrate and optimize with motor control team and ESCs
• Familiarity with construction and manufacturing techniques of outrunner PMSMs in the ~500W size class
• End to end understanding of drone propulsion systems, from battery to ESC to motors to propellors
• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

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 $170,000- $277,500*. 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.

#LI-JC2

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/