Software Engineer - Embedded Software

Front Door Defense; San Mateo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to lead architecture and development of firmware for autonomous drones. You will design and implement embedded software that runs on the vehicle, work with hardware teams, and bring up new hardware in a fast-paced environment.

You will shape subsystems like cameras and radios, write clean, well-abstracted code, and contribute across Linux userspace and kernel layers. Strong C++ and Python skills, plus hardware bring-up experience, are essential.

Qualifications

• Proficient in modern C++ for real-time embedded systems.
• Experience with Python development.
• Ability to write clean code with proper abstraction boundaries.
• Experience with SOCs (Qualcomm) and embedded microcontrollers.
• Hands-on hardware bring-up and system debugging is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and architecture of complex embedded systems.
• Design and implement embedded software for the vehicle.
• Characterize, integrate, and validate subsystems (e.g., camera, radio).
• Bring up and debug new hardware.
• Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and devices.

Skills

C++

Real-time

Python

Embedded Linux

Kernel development

Hardware bring-up

Debugging

ARM assembly

Security

FAA Part 107 knowledge

Tools

stm32 microcontrollers

Qualcomm SOCs

NVIDIA SOCs

Linux kernels

Job description

Software Engineer - Embedded

Lead the architecture and development of embedded firmware for Skydio drones

Location: San Mateo, California

Compensation: $127,500 - 210,000 USD / year

About The Role

Skydio Embedded Software Engineer

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.

Our team is responsible for large portions of the software engineering stack, working on a wide variety of subsystems. We write bare metal and RTOS microcontroller code (stm32 product line), integrate and write code for embedded linux and android platforms (Qualcomm and Nvidia SOCs), maintain the associated linux kernels, and help design and bring up all new electronics.

We work closely with both the hardware team and the rest of the software organization, creating the foundation for the rest of the Skydio software team to build upon.

Reliable embedded firmware acts as the brain stem of our autonomous drones and the foundation for the growing accessory product line -- bridging the gap between the algorithms and the sensors/mechanical hardware. As a Skydio embedded software engineer, you will have the opportunity to architect, build out and lead the development of both current and future products in a fast-paced environment.

How you'll make an impact:

• Provide technical direction and architecture of complex systems
• Design and implement the embedded software that runs on the vehicle
• Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. next-gen camera, radio)
• Bring up and debug new hardware
• Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and other devices

What makes you a good fit:

• Ability to write modern C++ in a real-time embedded environment
• Python development experience
• Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries
• SOC development (Qualcomm devices a plus), embedded microcontrollers, camera drivers
• Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device
• Embedded linux userspace and kernel development
• Fundamental knowledge of low-level firmware
• Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization
• Knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level
• Embedded security and cryptographic firmware development
• 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 $127,500 - $210,000*. 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.

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.