Senior Software Engineer, Hardware In Loop (HIL)

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Equity (stock options)

Job summary

Skydio, a leading US drone company, seeks an engineer to own the embedded HIL testing framework end to end. You will manage the Python test framework, CI integration, and a fleet of test stations, aligning with firmware and product teams to harden validation pipelines.

You will design new test stations, bring up hardware, triage runs, and drive reliability as product coverage expands. Strong Python and Linux skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience building or owning test or CI infrastructure.
• Strong Python and Linux skills with understanding of embedded systems.
• Ability to design reliable automated tests for hardware and software.
• Excellent collaboration across firmware and product teams.
• FAA Part 107 certification encouraged within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and roadmap of the HIL test framework and CI integration.
• Design and build new test stations and fixtures for new products.
• Collaborate with firmware, platform, and product teams to validate requirements.
• Develop new use cases to expand hardware validation to broader teams.
• Triage failing runs and route bugs to the right team.

Skills

Python

Linux systems

CI infrastructure

Embedded Linux

Hardware bring-up

Test automation

Communication

Tools

Docker

systemd

USB/udev

Flashing procedures

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:

You will own Skydio's embedded HIL system end to end: the Python test framework, its CI integration, the fleet of physical test stations, and the devices on them. You'll set its technical direction, keep it reliable as the number of products and tests grows, and make it easy for other teams to add tests.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Own the architecture and roadmap of the HIL test framework and its integration with CI
• Design and build new test stations and fixtures and bring new products onto the HIL
• Partner with firmware, platform and product teams to turn their validation needs into reliable automated tests
• Develop new critical use cases to expand hardware validation and development to more broad teams
• Triage failing runs, separate infrastructure problems from product regressions, and route real bugs to the right team

What Makes You a Good Fit:

• Strong Python, with clean, well-tested code and sensible abstraction boundaries
• Software engineering experience, including building or owning test or CI infrastructure
• Solid Linux systems skills: networking, USB/udev, systemd, Docker, shell
• Hands-on embedded Linux experience: flashing, bootloaders and recovery modes, serial consoles, debugging boards that don't boot
• Clear communicator who can support many engineering teams
• Experience / interest in hardware bring-up and system debugging
• 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 $190,000 - $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. 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.

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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/