Senior Systems Design Engineer

Booster; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior System Design Engineer to shape the future of autonomous aerial systems. This pivotal role involves driving system architecture and integration across hardware and software domains. The ideal candidate will possess strong systems thinking and technical leadership skills, influencing product vision and execution while collaborating with diverse teams. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity and innovation, and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine aerial mobility. This is your chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Benefits

Equity in the form of stock options

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Experience in architecting complex embedded systems.
• Strong systems thinking and decision-making skills.
• Expertise in compute systems or advanced sensing.

Responsibilities

• Define system-level requirements for autonomous aerial platforms.
• Lead subsystem architecture design with cross-functional teams.
• Develop methods to validate performance of complex systems.

Skills

System Architecture

Embedded Systems

Electrical Engineering

Software Development

Mechanical Engineering

Systems Thinking

Communication Systems

Power Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

GNSS

Sensor Fusion

Robotics Perception Systems

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
We are looking for a Senior System Design Engineer to drive the architecture and integration of cutting-edge autonomous aerial systems. This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping platform and subsystem designs across hardware, embedded software, and sensing technologies. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and technical leader with deep experience in at least one of Skydio’s core domains such as compute, sensing, comms, or control, and the ability to drive clarity and execution across highly cross-functional teams.

You will play a critical role in aligning product vision with technical execution, influencing the roadmap, and building systems that perform reliably in complex real-world environments.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Define and drive system-level requirements and architecture for autonomous aerial platforms, spanning mechanical, electrical, and embedded domains
• Lead subsystem architecture design and component selection in partnership with cross-functional teams (autonomy, perception, software, hardware, and wireless)
• Develop methods to simulate, analyze, and validate the performance of complex systems and subsystems, both in development and in the field
• Work with internal teams and external vendors to deliver reliable, high-performance system components that scale across product lines
• Shape and execute technology roadmaps across compute, sensing, control, and communication subsystems
• Triage and resolve system-level issues, especially those that cross traditional domain boundaries

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Experience architecting and developing complex embedded or electromechanical systems with a background in electrical, software, or mechanical engineering
• Strong systems thinking, with a track record of driving clarity and making architectural decisions amid ambiguity
• Expertise in at least one of: compute systems, advanced sensing, communication systems, power management, or real-time control
• Comfortable working at the intersection of hardware and software, including defining specifications and guiding cross-functional development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to technical and executive stakeholders
• Familiarity with technologies such as GNSS, sensor fusion, or robotics perception systems is a bonus

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- $240,000*. 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.

#LI-AC1

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/