---
title: 'Prototyping Specialist at Skydio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/prototyping-specialist-skydio-san-mateo-adpcbbdxt4b3'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-05'
---

# Prototyping Specialist at Skydio

- **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio)
- **Location:** San Mateo, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-11-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-05
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/0d48163f-306e-495d-abda-b67e4094fc5c

## 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: The Hardware Development team is relied upon by nearly every engineer in the Hardware organization at Skydio. We take on whatever engineers need to keep hardware moving. As a Prototyping Specialist, you’ll combine strong design skills with hands-on fabrication to build the fixtures, rigs, and test setups our engineers depend on. You’ll be one of the most senior members of the team and the person others turn to for the hardest problems, from tricky CNC rework to wiring up new test equipment. The work is varied: some jobs take 30 minutes, while others are one-off custom equipment that takes weeks or months to design and build. How you'll make an impact:

- Design and build electromechanical fixtures, test rigs, and enclosures, moving quickly from CAD to finished hardware.
- Build custom 80/20 rigs that often integrate electrical elements such as wiring, power distribution, and actuators.
- Make parts and assemblies using 3D printing, CNC and manual machining, and wood and metal shop tools.
- Run quick-turn CNC rework to unblock prototype builds: rapidly design and make fixtures that hold complex part geometry, then machine the changes.
- Create custom lab and infrastructure improvements, from tooling that solves a specific problem to custom builds and installations that make our lab spaces more efficient and safe.

What makes you a good fit:

- 5+ years of experience designing and fabricating prototype hardware, fixtures, or test equipment
- Strong CAD skills, plus experience independently programming, setting up, and running CNC mills
- Proficiency with machining (manual and CNC), 3D printing, and wood and metal fabrication tools such as saws, drill presses, grinders, and sanders
- Experience with electromechanical design, including enclosures and fixtures that house circuit boards
- Electrical wiring and troubleshooting experience, including single-phase 220VAC equipment and power conversion
- A track record of moving fast from idea to working hardware, often with the parts on hand
- Comfort juggling and prioritizing many tasks that vary widely in scope and scale

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 $128,000 - $150,000*. 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. 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

- [Electrical Engineer - Camera](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-camera-skydio-tampere-qjcrnttma0b4) — Tampere, Finland
- [Director, NPI Operations Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/director-npi-operations-engineering-skydio-san-mateo-bw0f4ng6c7yk) — San Mateo, CA
- [Production Team Lead Trainer](https://feeny.ai/job/production-team-lead-trainer-skydio-hayward-64wp6eb4d64f) — Hayward, CA
- [Customer Success Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/customer-success-manager-skydio-canada-n6kv9yfwkwmz) — Canada
- [Senior Business Development Representative](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-business-development-representative-skydio-united-states-tf54xmxkj3fs) — United States
- [Key Account Director, T1200 (West)](https://feeny.ai/job/key-account-director-t1200-west-skydio-united-states-bmrdsahg33sx) — United States
- [Key Account Leader, Mid Cities West](https://feeny.ai/job/key-account-leader-mid-cities-west-skydio-united-states-nzw5451t3qmp) — United States
- [Senior Flight Test Engineer - Software Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-flight-test-engineer-software-automation-skydio-san-mateo-gry1vvdjs9dc) — San Mateo, CA
- [Program Manager, National Security - DHS](https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-national-security-dhs-skydio-united-states-r5hj0c2d6cse) — United States
- [Key Account Leader, Small Cities West](https://feeny.ai/job/key-account-leader-small-cities-west-skydio-united-states-bsnp4svejcgs) — United States