--- title: 'Senior Autonomy Engineer - Computer Vision at Skydio' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-autonomy-engineer-computer-vision-skydio-san-mateo-california-zsk915tyc15j' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-24' --- # Senior Autonomy Engineer - Computer Vision at Skydio - **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio) - **Location:** San Mateo California, United States - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-09-16 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-24 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/3fbd5cc0-36df-4d21-a88b-04e0932109d6 ## 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 core of our system is the computer vision algorithms that allow drones to understand the world around them. You will architect and implement the algorithms that run on every drone powered by Skydio as part of a world class computer vision team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry. We are looking for people who bring together an understanding of the relevant theory, solid software skills, and an ability to drive through to working solutions. How you'll make an impact: - Design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, classification, and detection algorithms - Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users - Characterize and quantify the performance of the vision system - Research and prototype new approaches - Be a generalist helping out on all aspects of the software when needed What makes you a good fit: - More important than specific domain experience is an ability to make the math, the algorithms, and the code all line up and work well on real world problems - Hands-on experience with visual odometry, state estimation, mapping, and SLAM - Proficiency with probabilistic inference and 3d geometry - Optimization for computationally constrained environments - Deep Learning - training data, neural networks, online learning - Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well architected code - High proficiency in C++ - Ability to thrive in a fast paced, collaborative, small team environment - 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: The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - $277,500*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends. *Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location. ## #LI-PG1 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 - [Director, SLED Solutions Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/director-sled-solutions-engineering-skydio-united-states-ry3yyzx6byww) — United States - [Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering - State, Local, Educational (SLED) Small Cities](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-solutions-engineering-state-local-educational-sled-small-cities-vedqbr7n4taj) — United States - [Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering - Launch Team Readiness, West](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-solutions-engineering-launch-team-readiness-west-skydio-united-szxef1g6zssy) — United States - [Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering - National Security (Defense)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-solutions-engineering-national-security-defense-skydio-united-v6xegndjqkka) — United States - [Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering - State, Local, Educational (SLED) Majors East](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-solutions-engineering-state-local-educational-sled-majors-east-k34rxks7yg9t) — United States - [Electrical Engineer Intern - Winter 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-intern-winter-2027-skydio-san-mateo-california-7yf0pvbcwerp) — San Mateo California, United States - [Hardware Product Management Intern - Fall 2026/Winter 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-product-management-intern-fall-2026-winter-2027-skydio-san-mateo-s0dxz70z59ev) — San Mateo California, United States - [Deployment and Support Engineer (Japan)](https://feeny.ai/job/deployment-and-support-engineer-japan-skydio-tokyo-5k4e0306bbwr) — Tokyo, Japan - [Recruiting Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/recruiting-coordinator-skydio-san-mateo-california-p70p43jgenyh) — San Mateo California, United States - [Camera & Imaging Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/camera-imaging-intern-skydio-tampere-5nf75hb914wh) — Tampere, Finland