UX Product Design Lead

Skydio Inc.; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in stock options

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) savings plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Skydio Inc. in San Mateo, California is looking for a Design Lead to lead the UX strategy for their autonomous flying robots. This role involves designing interfaces that assure user confidence and reliability while tackling complex design challenges with innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate has a high bar for craftsmanship, strategic leadership experience, and a portfolio showcasing visual design expertise. The position offers a competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits for full-time employees.

Qualifications

• Portfolio showcasing visual design, complex systems architecture, and high attention to detail.
• Experience in strategic leadership roles driving design strategy.
• Ability to create interactive prototypes to validate concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead UX strategy and execution for core platforms.
• Design interfaces for autonomous flying robots to inspire confidence.
• Collaborate with teams to build cross-platform user experiences.

Skills

Problem Solving

UX Design

Strategic Storytelling

Prototyping

Tools

AI Tools

3D Design Software

Job description

San Mateo, California, United States - Full-time

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.

Overview

Our products are used by professionals with a lot on the line, operating in rugged environments where every second counts. Their mission is clear: find the missing person, get the lights back on, keep the roads open, and keep the good guys safe. Our mandate is to solve one of the most complex problems of our time: how to build autonomous flying robots that help them get the job done, no matter what.

About the Role

As a Design Lead, you are a trailblazer. You thrive on solving problems that have never been solved before. You are equal parts strategic storyteller and hands‑on craftsperson. You don't just wait for product requirements; you help define the vision, use narrative to align Engineering and Product, and execute with an incredibly high bar for detail.

You will work directly with Design Leadership, Product Managers, and Engineers to map out Critical User Journeys (CUJs) and build cross‑platform experiences (Web, Mobile, Ground Control Stations) that our customers implicitly trust.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Design for Trust: Lead the UX strategy and execution for our core platforms, building interfaces for autonomous flying robots that inspire confidence and reliability.
• Solve Unsolved Problems: Tackle complex challenges with no existing playbook, designing interfaces for remote hardware sensing, 3D spatial awareness, and AI‑driven missions.
• Drive the Narrative: Use exceptional storytelling to communicate user needs and align Engineering, Product Management, and Executive leadership around a unified, grounded design vision.
• Elevate the Craft: Build high‑fidelity prototypes, test assumptions quickly, and leverage AI tools to accelerate discovery.
• Get in the Field: Visit customers in high‑stress environments to inform every design decision.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• First‑Principles Problem Solver: Out‑of‑the‑box thinker who thrives in ambiguous spaces with no existing design patterns.
• Uncompromising Craftsmanship: Portfolio demonstrates a high bar for visual design, complex systems architecture, and attention to detail.
• Strategic Leadership: Proven track record driving design strategy at a senior/lead level, shaping product roadmaps.
• Fluency in Complexity: Experience shipping products in highly technical disciplines such as Robotics Controls, Avionics, Geospatial/Mapping, Fleet Management, or Remote Hardware Sensing.
• Prototyping Chops: Quickly creates interactive prototypes to validate concepts before engineering code.

Nice to Haves

• Deep understanding of Android‑based HIG and Mobile Design Patterns for physical hardware controllers.
• FAA Part 107 certification, encouraged for all 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. The annual base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401(k) savings plan, in addition to group health insurance. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Skydio is an equal opportunity employer. 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 any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local anti‑discrimination laws. Skydio complies with E‑Verify for employment eligibility. For more information about E‑Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.