---
title: 'Software Engineer - Simulation & Robotics at Skydio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-simulation-robotics-skydio-san-mateo-california-ahvap651pbkr'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Software Engineer - Simulation & Robotics at Skydio

- **Company:** [Skydio](https://feeny.ai/companies/skydio)
- **Location:** San Mateo California, United States
- **Compensation:** $170k–$240k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-03-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/skydio/7a8f3e6c-d576-41af-a81e-bf4fe20da12a/application

**Skills:** C++, Python, System Design, Real-time Systems, Physics Simulation, Sensor Simulation, Robotics, Game Engines, Physics Engines, Multithreading, Low-latency System Design

> Build and evolve the core high-fidelity Skydio Simulator, focusing on physics, sensor simulation, and autonomy stack integration. The role involves designing foundational architecture in C++ and Python, optimizing performance, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure realistic and consistent simulation beh...

## 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 are looking for a software engineer to build and evolve the core of the Skydio Simulator — a high-fidelity, real-time digital replica of the physical world used both by customers and by Skydio’s autonomy engineers every day. In this role, you will work deep in the simulator stack: from physics and sensor simulation, to hardware emulation, to the core architecture that runs our full autonomy software in simulation. You will help define how simulated worlds behave, how vehicles perceive and interact with them, and how closely simulation mirrors reality. This is a systems-heavy role focused on correctness, performance, and realism. Prior robotics experience is not required, but curiosity about physical systems and an interest in autonomous robots is essential.

Areas of Responsibility:

- Core Simulator Architecture: Design, implement, and evolve the foundational architecture of the Skydio Simulator, ensuring it scales across vehicle types, environments, and use cases.
- Physics and Dynamics: Improve and extend physics models governing vehicle motion, interactions with the environment, and dynamic agents.
- Sensor and Hardware Simulation: Build high-fidelity simulations of cameras, IMUs, and other onboard components, including timing, noise characteristics, and hardware behavior.
- Autonomy Stack Integration: Run and validate the full Skydio autonomy stack in simulation, ensuring consistency between simulated and real-world behavior.
- Feature Development on Top of the Core: Implement simulator capabilities that unlock new workflows for customers and internal autonomy engineers, from training scenarios to advanced testing modes.
- Performance and Fidelity: Profile, optimize, and improve simulator performance while continuously pushing realism and accuracy.

What You’ll Do:

- Develop core simulator components in C++ and Python, working close to real-time constraints.
- Collaborate with autonomy, perception, and controls engineers to align simulation behavior with real-world systems.
- Debug complex interactions between physics, sensors, autonomy logic, and rendering.
- Help shape the long-term technical direction of the simulator as both a product and an internal platform.
- Contribute to documentation and shared understanding of how the simulator works internally.

Qualifications:

- Strong software engineering experience with C++ and Python.
- Experience building complex systems where performance, determinism, or correctness matter.
- Comfort reasoning about time-synchronized systems, state machines, or real-time execution.
- Ability to work in a large, evolving codebase with multiple stakeholders.
- Interest in robotics, simulation, or physical systems (prior robotics experience is a plus, not a requirement).

Bonus Experience:

- Robotics, simulation, game engines, or real-time systems.
- Physics engines, sensor modeling, or hardware abstraction layers.
- Multithreaded or low-latency system design.
- Experience debugging systems that span software and physical behavior.

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 $170,000 - 240,000*. 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. *For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.

## #LI-SM1

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
- [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