---
title: 'Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Video Streaming (WebRTC / LiveKit) at Skydio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-cloud-video-streaming-webrtc-livekit-skydio-san-mateo-1mfkvzqmkes7'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-29'
---

# Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Video Streaming (WebRTC / LiveKit) at Skydio

- **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio)
- **Location:** San Mateo, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-10-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-29
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/aa60ab83-6552-4c9a-afec-4ed4bc254b2c

## 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: We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer specializing in WebRTC and cloud live video streaming to own the real-time media and data stack powering Skydio Remote Flight Deck (RFD), ReadyLink, and our Commands. Remote pilots and mission commanders rely on our browser and mobile clients to fly drones and view live feeds from anywhere — where every millisecond of latency and dropped frame matters. You will focus on the cloud node ↔ LiveKit SFU ↔ browser/client media and data plane. Vehicles stream video and telemetry over multi-path links to cloud ingest nodes, which fuse streams, embed capture metadata, and publish tracks and control channels into LiveKit. On the browser side — including our 3D Cockpit — we bypass Chrome's standard WebRTC decode flow to run custom WebCodecs decode and frame-accurate telemetry sync pipelines. How you'll make an impact:

- Own and optimize the cloud-to-browser streaming pipeline end-to-end — from cloud media publisher nodes (Go/C++) through LiveKit SFU to browser playback and data channels (TypeScript)
- Bypass Chrome's built-in WebRTC decode pipeline using Encoded Transform / Insertable Streams and WebCodecs (VideoDecoder/VideoFrame) synchronizing video frames with 3D telemetry poses via in-band SEI / packet-trailer metadata
- Architect and tune WebRTC media and data paths: RTP/RTCP packetization, congestion control (TWCC/GCC), NACK/RTX retransmission, PLI/keyframe recovery, and SCTP data-channel QoS for telemetry and pilot controls
- Operate and harden LiveKit SFU deployments and SDKs (server-sdk-go, livekit-client, Pion) across cloud and on-prem/FedRAMP environments, including ICE/STUN/TURN and relay topologies
- Build end-to-end streaming observability, QoE telemetry, and network-impairment benchmarks, partnering with vehicle and autonomy teams to couple browser feedback with upstream encoding

What makes you a good fit:

- 5+ years of software engineering experience with deep production expertise in WebRTC and real-time video streaming
- Strong command of WebRTC internals: PeerConnection, RTP/RTCP, SDP, ICE/STUN/TURN, SCTP data channels, jitter buffers, and congestion control (TWCC/GCC, NACK/RTX, PLI/FIR)
- Deep experience with low-level browser media APIs: WebCodecs (VideoDecoder, VideoFrame), Encoded Transform / Insertable Streams, and custom decode/jitter pipelines bypassing default video playback
- Production experience with LiveKit (or similar SFUs) and WebRTC stacks like Pion (Go) or libwebrtc, working across Go/C++ (cloud node) and TypeScript (browser)
- Solid grasp of video codecs and framing (H.264, H.265/HEVC, GOP/IDR policies, Annex-B to RTP, SEI NAL / packet-trailer metadata, hardware acceleration)
- Strong diagnostic skills using packet captures, browser getStats, and distributed telemetry, paired with empathy for users in high-stakes environments

Bonus points:

- Experience integrating WebCodecs (VideoFrame/ImageBitmap) with WebGL, WebGPU, or Three.js for 3D video projection and AR sync
- Background in cloud ingest/republisher bridges, cloud gaming, or low-latency teleoperation over QUIC, UDP/FEC, or bonded cellular/Wi-Fi links
- Experience patching open-source WebRTC libraries (livekit-client, server-sdk-go, pion/webrtc or running stateful media services on Kubernetes (FIPS/FedRAMP/on-prem)
- Comfort with AI-assisted development workflows

Work Location: Hybrid in San Mateo, CA (3 days/week in office; relocation assistance available). Note: You don't need to check every box — if you're excited about this role and think you'd be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. 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 $190,000 - $250,000*. 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-WA1

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

- [Sales Director, Utilities](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-director-utilities-skydio-united-states-axtanv7wc22f) — United States
- [Key Account Leader, Majors, Public Safety (Northwest)](https://feeny.ai/job/key-account-leader-majors-public-safety-northwest-skydio-united-states-x2vekzw5qqn5) — United States
- [Hardware Operations Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-operations-program-manager-skydio-hayward-axgg840ceyy6) — Hayward, CA
- [Staff Software Engineer - Streaming Infrastructure](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-software-engineer-streaming-infrastructure-skydio-san-mateo-saehmka3map5) — San Mateo, CA
- [Senior Software Engineer -  Streaming Infrastructure](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-streaming-infrastructure-skydio-san-mateo-6xjdq2xfrek7) — San Mateo, CA
- [Manufacturing Intern - Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-intern-summer-2027-skydio-hayward-xrkznbyy9nb6) — Hayward, CA
- [Autonomy Engineer Intern, Autonomy Infrastructure, Systems and Tools, 2027 (Zurich)](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-intern-autonomy-infrastructure-systems-and-tools-2027-zurich-b83jebf38k6c) — Zurich, Switzerland
- [Autonomy Engineer Intern, Simulation & Robotics, 2027 (HQ)](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-intern-simulation-robotics-2027-hq-skydio-san-mateo-09bdz17bv5gf) — San Mateo, CA
- [Autonomy Engineer Intern, Simulation & Robotics, 2027 (Zurich)](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-intern-simulation-robotics-2027-zurich-skydio-zurich-e4gq6cw86q90) — Zurich, Switzerland
- [Autonomy Engineer Intern, Reinforcement Learning, 2027 (Zurich)](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-intern-reinforcement-learning-2027-zurich-skydio-zurich-tznhnz43ag49) — Zurich, Switzerland