---
title: 'Flight Test Operator - Data Collection Fixed Term at Skydio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/flight-test-operator-data-collection-fixed-term-skydio-san-mateo-california-k39mb134zmn9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Flight Test Operator - Data Collection Fixed Term at Skydio

- **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio)
- **Location:** San Mateo California, United States
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-09-09
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/f53df2af-e56d-4be4-a091-35ebe13983ce

## 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](https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities) to [first responders](https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety), [soldiers in battlefield scenarios](https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr), and [beyond](https://www.skydio.com/solutions). About the Role: Skydio is looking for a Data Collection Flight Test Operator to join our data collection and flight testing team. In this role you'll fly Skydio aircraft across a wide range of environments and scenarios, gathering the data that trains and validates our autonomy and AI systems. This is a field role, and the travel is real: expect to be on the road roughly [95]% of the time, at test ranges, customer sites, and unimproved field environments across the United States. You'll execute structured flight missions, capture sensor and telemetry data, and feed findings directly back to the engineering teams building the product. If you want to spend most of your time flying in the real world rather than at a desk, this is that job. Location: San Mateo, CA (U.S.) — approximately 90% travel Employment Type: Fixed Term - 12 months How You’ll Make an Impact:

- Safely operate Skydio aircraft across diverse environments - urban, rural, industrial, forested, and degraded-visual conditions - to collect data for product development and validation.
- Execute structured flight test plans, including repeatable scripted scenarios and exploratory flights.
- Collect, label, and manage high volumes of sensor, imagery, and telemetry data, following established data handling and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Maintain accurate flight logs and documentation in compliance with FAA regulations and Skydio's safety procedures.
- Report anomalies, near-misses, and incidents promptly and thoroughly, including clear detail on environmental and operational factors.
- Partner with engineering and autonomy teams to align on data needs, test objectives, and operational constraints.
- Maintain and troubleshoot aircraft, attachments, and ground equipment; keep kit ready for upcoming campaigns.

Required Qualifications:

- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in good standing.
- 100+ hours / 1+ years of experience operating small unmanned aircraft in real-world operational environments.
- Strong situational awareness and a demonstrated commitment to safe flight practices.
- Ability to follow structured test procedures precisely while adapting to changing field conditions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the discipline to document thoroughly in the field.
- Valid U.S. driver's license and a driving record acceptable under Skydio's insurance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Background in aviation, robotics, or field data collection.
- Experience with UAS flight testing, flight log analysis, or technical data capture.
- Experience operating under Part 107 waivers (BVLOS, night, or operations over people).
- Familiarity with Skydio platforms or other advanced autonomous aircraft.
- Comfort troubleshooting hardware and software issues independently in the field, without on-site engineering support.
- GIS or 3D photogrammetry experience

Conditions of Employment/Physical Requirements:

- Travel approximately up to 90% of the time to test sites, ranges, and field environments across the U.S.
- Frequent early mornings, extended field days, and occasional weekend work driven by weather windows and site availability.
- Successful completion of a background check
- Ability to lift and carry equipment cases weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation.
- Ability to stand, walk, and traverse uneven terrain at field sites for extended periods.

Compensation: This is a fixed term, full-time position with a limited duration as outlined in the job description. The hourly wage range for this position is $50-$60 per hour. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, geographic location and experience. Fixed Term, full-time employees may be eligible to participate in the Company’s group health insurance plans after fulfilling tenure and waiting period requirements, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans. Fixed-term, full-time employees are also eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, statutory 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. 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/

## About Skydio

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Skydio builds autonomous drones and platforms for public safety, critical infrastructure inspection, and national security, enabling safer, smarter, and faster data collection.
- **Entity Type**: Private – Series E ($230M raised)
- **Headquarters**: San Mateo, California, United States (manufacturing hub in Hayward, CA; satellite offices in Boston, Japan, and India)
- **Founded**: 2014
- **Founders**: Adam Bry (CEO) and Abe Bachrach (CTO) – both MIT graduates and co-founders of Google’s Project Wing

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Drone manufacturing, autonomous flight software, public safety / first responder technology, infrastructure inspection, defense / national security
- **Target customers**: B2G (government/public safety), B2B (energy, utilities, construction, surveying), and defense organizations
- **Mission statement**: “To make the world more productive, creative, and safe with autonomous flight”

## Products & Services
- **[Skydio X10](https://www.skydio.com/)**: Flagship autonomous drone with best-in-class sensors, advanced AI, and cloud integration – designed for outdoor inspection, DFR, and site security.
- **[Skydio R10](https://www.skydio.com/)**: Indoor-capable, compact drone for tight quarters (e.g., building interiors) with onboard lighting and communications.
- **[Skydio Dock for X10](https://www.skydio.com/)**: Remote docking station enabling autonomous launch, landing, and charging – supports unattended mission execution.
- **[Skydio Cloud & Software Platform](https://www.skydio.com/)**: End-to-end software for mission planning, live streaming, data processing, and fleet management (includes Drone as First Responder solutions, asset inspection, and mapping).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Funding**: $230 million raised in a Series E round (led by Linse Capital, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Next47, IVP, DoCoMo, Nvidia, UP.Partners; angel investors include Brendan Iribe, Naval Ravikant, Padma Warrior, Matt Bellamy, Magic Johnson, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Durant). Valuation not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metric**: Over 60,000 drones delivered; “9 figures of annual revenue” (i.e., $100M+) with rapid growth [skydio.com/careers](https://www.skydio.com/careers).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Andreessen Horowitz, Nvidia, IVP, DoCoMo, UP.Partners.
- **Growth Signals**: Company reports rapid revenue growth; expanding into national security contracts; manufacturing hub in Hayward; global presence with offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Zurich.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Purely U.S. based** – designed, assembled, and supported in the USA, meeting strict national security and supply chain standards.
- **Deep AI autonomy** – world-leading computer vision and autonomous flight technology, built by a team that pioneered the field at MIT and Google X.
- **Full-stack platform** – drones, docks, cloud software, and mission-specific integrations create a locked-in ecosystem that’s hard to replicate.
- **Mission-critical trust** – deployed by police departments, defense agencies, and utilities for life-saving and infrastructure-protecting missions.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling drone-as-a-first-responder (DFR)** programs across public safety agencies.
- **Expanding defense & national security** verticals (survivable sUAS, battlefield situational awareness).
- **Deepening enterprise inspection & mapping** offerings for energy, telecom, and civil infrastructure.
- **International growth** – offices in Japan, India, Singapore, Switzerland, and Finland.

## Why Work Here
- **Purpose-driven impact** – work on tech that “makes our world safer and more efficient” (autonomous drones for first responders, search & rescue, battlefield awareness).
- **Cutting-edge engineering** – stack spans AI/robotics, computer vision, cloud, mobile, aerodynamics, sensors, and hardware; described as “the Mount Everest of technology.”
- **Collaborative culture** – “intense but rewarding”; teams include world-class engineers, special forces operators, and industry experts.
- **Hybrid/office** – headquarters in San Mateo (Bay Area) with manufacturing in Hayward; satellite offices in Boston, Japan, and India. Many engineering roles are on-site or hybrid, but some positions list remote (US) availability.
- **Notable perks** – no explicit perks listed, but culture emphasizes real-world impact, cross-functional work, and autonomy to solve hard problems.

## Sources
1. [skydio.com](https://www.skydio.com/) – Main site (products, mission, drone capabilities)
2. [skydio.com/about](https://www.skydio.com/about) – Founders, leadership, and company history
3. [skydio.com/careers](https://www.skydio.com/careers) – Company stats (60k drones, 9-figure revenue, mission, culture, office locations)
4. [linkedin.com/company/skydio](https://www.linkedin.com/company/skydio) – Company description
5. [cbinsights.com/company/skydio/financials](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/skydio/financials) – Funding round details (Series E, $230M)

## Other roles at Skydio

- [Senior RF Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-rf-design-engineer-skydio-san-mateo-california-vvreqa2jdv4e) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Test Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/test-engineering-technician-skydio-san-mateo-california-168k5rrxmgsh) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Field Support Representative - Colorado](https://feeny.ai/job/field-support-representative-colorado-skydio-united-states-gmwskmw9gthz) — United States
- [EHS Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/ehs-specialist-skydio-san-mateo-california-gzxemmnq1sm4) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Systems Integration and Test Engineer (Senior to Staff Level)](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-integration-and-test-engineer-senior-to-staff-level-skydio-san-mateo-05357sqhznad) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Systems Integration and Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-integration-and-test-engineer-skydio-san-mateo-california-6jy1mpatrsrm) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Flight Test Intern - Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-test-intern-summer-2027-skydio-san-mateo-california-9js5hytbcpa1) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Product Design Engineer Intern - Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/product-design-engineer-intern-summer-2027-skydio-san-mateo-california-4rrh55j2aq90) — San Mateo California, United States
- [Autonomy Engineer Intern, Computer Vision / Deep Learning, Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-intern-computer-vision-deep-learning-summer-2027-skydio-san-asjd2k15p11a) — San Mateo California, United States
- [PhD Autonomy Engineer Intern - Computer Vision / Deep Learning Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/phd-autonomy-engineer-intern-computer-vision-deep-learning-summer-2027-skydio-0p7jg2na5krw) — Zurich, Switzerland