Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Skydio

$160-261.3k

Python
Linux
C++
Senior level
San Francisco Bay Area

Office located in San Mateo, CA

Skydio

Drone manufacturer

Open for applications

Skydio

Drone manufacturer

501-1000 employees

B2BArtificial IntelligenceManufacturingDrones

Open for applications

$160-261.3k

Python
Linux
C++
Senior level
San Francisco Bay Area

Office located in San Mateo, CA

501-1000 employees

B2BArtificial IntelligenceManufacturingDrones

Company mission

To make the world more productive, creative, and safe with autonomous flight.

Role

Who you are

  • 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

What the job involves

  • 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 senior 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
  • 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

Our take

A leader in autonomous flight, Skydio builds drones that can track and film targets while avoiding obstacles. Its products have a wide range of applications, most notably for businesses that need to undertake inspections in unsafe places. The drones are also valuable to search and rescue efforts, police forces, and the US army.

Backed by a range of top investors and strategic partners (including Andreesen Horowitz, Levitate Capital, and Next 47) Skydio sets itself apart from its competitors by marketing its products predominantly to businesses. With technology such as 3D scanning and a 360-degree superzoom mode, its drones have a wide range of applications and functionality.

The company raised funding in 2023, which has boosted its valuation to over $2 billion. It has since focussed on R&D, developing and launching the X10 model which is designed for first responders and the military, as well as enhancing its remote control and thermal imaging capabilities. As the largest American drone company, there is no reason Skydio shouldn't remain a key industry actor for years to come.

Kirsty headshot

Kirsty

Company Specialist

Insights

Top investors

Some candidates hear
back within 2 weeks

24% employee growth in 12 months

Company

Funding (last 2 of 6 rounds)

Feb 2023

$230m

SERIES E

Feb 2021

$171m

SERIES D

Total funding: $571m

Company benefits

  • Work from home opportunities

Company values

  • We consider the holistic impact our products have on communities and countries
  • We use our role as a leader in autonomous flight technology to promote the responsible development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • We proactively promote best practices on the responsible use of our products with our customers
  • We engage in policy and regulatory efforts to support laws, policies, and standards aligned with our values
  • We engage in a responsible way with public sector customers in the United States and other free societies
  • We will not sell our products to repressive regimes
  • We will not put weapons on our drones and will oppose fully autonomous lethal weapons systems
  • We seek to create connections between our employees and the customers we serve beyond simply providing products and services
  • We seek to provide flexibility and freedom for people to choose what they work on

Company HQ

Western Hills, San Mateo, CA

Leadership

Having studied at MIT, they spent a year and a half at Google as a Software Engineer. They left this position in February 2014 to co-found Skydio.

Earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and was a Software Engineer for Google's Project Wing.

Previously a Research Assistant at MIT Media Lab and a Mobile Engineer at Pocket Gems.

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