---
title: 'Senior RF Design Engineer at Skydio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-rf-design-engineer-skydio-san-mateo-california-vvreqa2jdv4e'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Senior RF Design Engineer at Skydio

- **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio)
- **Location:** San Mateo California, United States
- **Compensation:** $170k–$240k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-09-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/7bd047de-b65b-42b2-a2bf-7d33ceabd083/application

**Skills:** RF system integration, LTE/cellular integration, Cellular hardware development, RF front-end architecture, System bring-up/debug, PTCRB certification, Carrier certification, RF desense mechanisms, EMI/EMC mitigation, RF simulation and modeling, Ansys HFSS, Keysight ADS, TRP/TIS analysis, OTA testing, Throughput testing, Rate vs. Range measurements, PCB schematic review, RF routing, Grounding and shielding, Power integrity

> The Senior RF Design Engineer leads wireless systems engineering for autonomous drone products, focusing on LTE/cellular integration, carrier certification, and PTCRB validation. The role involves designing, integrating, and validating wireless solutions across multiple radio technologies while collaborating with cr...

## 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’s RF systems connect users to our autonomous ecosystem and are foundation to the performance, reliability, and scalability of our products. As intelligent flying machines become increasingly autonomous, the demands on wireless connectivity, range, bandwidth, coexistence, and robustness continue to grow. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation across existing and next-generation RF architectures while delivering highly engineered products at scale. We are looking for a highly experienced Senior RF Design Engineer with deep expertise in cellular hardware development and RF system integration. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience bringing complex wireless products from architecture through production, including extensive experience with LTE/cellular integration, carrier certification, and PTCRB certification validation. Skydio’s highly integrated electromechanical systems present rich cross-functional engineering challenges and provide an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of autonomous systems.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

- Collaborate closely with EE, RF, antenna, mechanical, ID, and systems teams to optimize end-to-end wireless system performance
- Define system-level wireless architecture, requirements, specifications, and performance targets
- Design, integrate, and validate wireless solutions across multiple radio technologies and frequency bands, including LTE/5G cellular systems
- Lead cellular hardware integration efforts from early architecture through bring-up, debugging, optimization, certification, and production ramp
- Drive RF coexistence and desense analysis across tightly integrated wireless subsystems
- Perform detailed circuit-level analysis to debug RF performance, interference, and desense issues, and characterize aggressor/victim relationships
- Identify and mitigate noise sources impacting wireless performance at both board and system levels
- Support end-to-end product development from concept, prototyping, and validation through qualification, carrier certification, PTCRB, regulatory approval, and manufacturing test
- Develop and execute wireless performance characterization plans, including TRP/TIS, OTA, throughput, range, and coexistence testing
- Partner with external module vendors, certification labs, and carriers to ensure successful cellular integration and compliance

What Makes You a Good Fit:

- MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 7+ years of hands-on experience developing wireless consumer or embedded products with complex RF systems
- Strong cellular hardware development experience is required, including LTE modem integration, RF front-end architecture, carrier requirements, and system bring-up/debug
- Extensive experience supporting products through PTCRB and carrier certification processes is strongly preferred
- Deep technical understanding of one or more wireless technologies including LTE/cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS, and related coexistence challenges
- Strong understanding of RF desense mechanisms, EMI/EMC mitigation, radiated/conducted coupling, and system-level integration challenges
- Experience with analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit design and analysis
- Experience with PCB schematic review, layout guidance, RF routing, grounding, shielding, and power integrity best practices
- Proven experience debugging and optimizing wireless system performance in highly integrated products
- Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, CMW500, signal generators, power meters, near-field probes, and OTA test systems
- Experience using RF simulation and modeling tools such as Ansys HFSS and Keysight ADS
- Experience performing and analyzing TRP, TIS, OTA, throughput, and Rate vs. Range measurements
- Strong understanding of manufacturing test, production calibration, and wireless validation workflows
- Ability to independently drive complex technical problems across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development 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: 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 $206,000 - $271,000*. 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.

## #LI-PK1

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

- [Flight Test Operator - Data Collection Fixed Term](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-test-operator-data-collection-fixed-term-skydio-san-mateo-california-k39mb134zmn9) — 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