Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer

Telemetry Today LLC; San Mateo (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group health insurance

401K savings plan

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

Job summary

Skydio is seeking an engineer focused on electric motors and propulsion systems to model, architect, optimize, and refine propulsion for our drones. The role requires strong math/physics, FE methods, and thermal modeling expertise to advance efficiency and performance.

You will work across ESCs, motors, and propellers, validate designs with tests, and collaborate with the motor control team. FAA Part 107 certification within 60 days is encouraged for eligibility.

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.
• Experience modeling, architecting, and optimizing propulsion systems from ESCs to motors to propellers.

Responsibilities

• Model, architect, optimize, and refine electric propulsion systems powering our drones.
• Develop test plans and perform measurements to validate motor losses and flux.
• Create and optimize end-to-end propulsion designs—from battery to ESC to motors and propellers.
• Collaborate with motor control teams to integrate propulsion solutions.
• Explore innovative motor technologies and simulate thermal models.

Skills

Mathematical reasoning

Physical intuition

Finite element method

Motor thermal modeling

Motor control theory

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

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/