Test Engineering Technician

Socket.dev; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio, the leading US drone company, is hiring a test engineering technician to support hardware-focused validation testing of autonomous aerial vehicles and ground equipment. You will work in a lab setting to ensure product reliability and safety.

You will collaborate with test, reliability, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop fixtures, automate tests, and analyze failures. A hands-on, detail-oriented mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of test engineering or hardware validation experience.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to spot subtle degradation.
• Hands-on fabrication skills with wire harnesses or small machining.
• Proactive, curious, and able to work with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Support test setup, instrumentation, and execution for lab tests on flying and ground hardware.
• Maintain test lab infrastructure and DUTs.
• Collaborate with test, reliability, mechanical, electrical, and software teams to analyze failures.
• Develop custom test fixtures and automation to improve repeatability.
• Document failures promptly and optimize lab safety and organization.
• Enhance test efficiency and preventative maintenance.

Skills

Test engineering

Detail-oriented

Python scripting

Linux commands

Documentation

Communication

Fabrication skills

Problem solving

Curious mindset

Team collaboration

Tools

Wire harnesses

80/20 framing

Light machining

Woodworking

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 seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented test engineering technician to help support hardware-focused validation testing of intelligent aerial vehicles and ground equipment within a team dedicated to maximizing product reliability for our customers.

How you'll make an impact:

• Support test setup, instrumentation, execution, checkpoint and tear down inspections for a variety of performance, reliability and environmental stress tests for our flying and ground based hardware using a broad range of lab equipment

• Execute hands‑on maintenance of test lab infrastructure and DUT’s

• Work closely with test engineers to understand the item under test, execution procedures, data requirements, and potential failure modes of each test to ensure the earliest possible detection of issues

• Develop and fabricate custom test fixtures and infrastructure to add capability, improve repeatability, and save time through automation

• Document and escalatestest failures quickly; collaborate with reliability, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to perform failure analysis and ensure the product continuously improves through all stages of development

• Optimize execution efficiency with preventative maintenance on equipment and helping to ensure a high standard for safety and organization within the lab

What makes you a good fit:

• 3+ years relevant experience

• Acute attention to detail - ability to identify subtle degradations in mechanical feel or system performance that may be precursors to test failures

• Proactive - you anticipate needs, identify areas to improve efficiency and work towards these goals without explicit prompting to support the team

• Curious - you’re driven to understand the nuances of complex systems and are always interested in learning new skills

• Hands‑on and fabrication technical skills and experience with wire harnesses, 80/20, light machining and/or woodworking (or a knack and an eagerness to learn)

• Creative problem‑solving - you’re able to think outside the box to develop innovative solutions for test challenges, fixture designs, and automation improvements

• Solid computer skills including documentation, web research, and executing linux commands and python scripts

• Excellent written & verbal communication

• 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 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 $112,000 - $135,000*. 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/