Software Engineer - Simulation & Robotics Engineer

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

Job summary

A technology company based in San Mateo is seeking a software engineer to develop core components of their advanced simulator. You will work deeply in C++ and Python within a performance-critical environment, collaborating with various engineers to create high-fidelity simulations. Ideal candidates should have strong software development skills and an interest in robotics, while prior experience in the field is not mandatory. The role offers a competitive salary range of $170,000 - $240,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Experience building complex systems where performance, determinism, or correctness matter.
• Comfort reasoning about time-synchronized systems.
• Ability to work in an evolving codebase.

Responsibilities

• Develop core simulator components in C++ and Python.
• Collaborate with engineers to align simulation behavior.
• Debug interactions between physics, sensors, and autonomy.

Skills

Strong software engineering experience

C++

Python

Performance and correctness

Interest in robotics

Job description

San Mateo, California, United States - Full-time

About the Role:

We are looking for a software engineer to build and evolve the core of the Skydio Simulator — a high-fidelity, real-time digital replica of the physical world used both by customers and by Skydio’s autonomy engineers every day.

In this role, you will work deep in the simulator stack: from physics and sensor simulation, to hardware emulation, to the core architecture that runs our full autonomy software in simulation. You will help define how simulated worlds behave, how vehicles perceive and interact with them, and how closely simulation mirrors reality.

This is a systems-heavy role focused on correctness, performance, and realism. Prior robotics experience is not required, but curiosity about physical systems and an interest in autonomous robots is essential.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Core Simulator Architecture: Design, implement, and evolve the foundational architecture of the Skydio Simulator, ensuring it scales across vehicle types, environments, and use cases.
• Physics and Dynamics: Improve and extend physics models governing vehicle motion, interactions with the environment, and dynamic agents.
• Sensor and Hardware Simulation: Build high-fidelity simulations of cameras, IMUs, and other onboard components, including timing, noise characteristics, and hardware behavior.
• Autonomy Stack Integration: Run and validate the full Skydio autonomy stack in simulation, ensuring consistency between simulated and real-world behavior.
• Feature Development on Top of the Core: Implement simulator capabilities that unlock new workflows for customers and internal autonomy engineers, from training scenarios to advanced testing modes.
• Performance and Fidelity: Profile, optimize, and improve simulator performance while continuously pushing realism and accuracy.

What You’ll Do:

Develop core simulator components in C++ and Python, working close to real-time constraints.

Collaborate with autonomy, perception, and controls engineers to align simulation behavior with real-world systems.

Debug complex interactions between physics, sensors, autonomy logic, and rendering.

Help shape the long-term technical direction of the simulator as both a product and an internal platform.

Contribute to documentation and shared understanding of how the simulator works internally.

Qualifications:

• Strong software engineering experience with C++ and Python.
• Experience building complex systems where performance, determinism, or correctness matter.
• Comfort reasoning about time-synchronized systems, state machines, or real-time execution.
• Ability to work in a large, evolving codebase with multiple stakeholders.
• Interest in robotics, simulation, or physical systems (prior robotics experience is a plus, not a requirement).

Bonus Experience:

• Robotics, simulation, game engines, or real-time systems.
• Physics engines, sensor modeling, or hardware abstraction layers.
• Multithreaded or low-latency system design.
• Experience debugging systems that span software and physical behavior.

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*.

*For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statements:

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/

We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.

Skydio is a federal contractor or subcontractor subject to certain governmental recordkeeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil right laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job‑related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status. The completion of this form is voluntary and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.