Skydio Inc.
Autonomy Simulation & Tools Engineer
Skydio Inc., San Mateo, California, United States, 94409
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 tofirst responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios andbeyond .
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced software engineer to lead the development of simulation and log visualization tools that support every stage of the autonomy lifecycle. You will be responsible for building and evolving core internal platforms that allow engineers to test new ideas, diagnose system behaviors, and understand complex interactions between software and the physical world. This role combines backend systems work with front-end visualization, and requires a strong sense of software design, developer experience, and a passion for enabling others through effective tooling. The systems you build will be used daily by autonomy developers, test engineers, and even customers — forming the foundation for iteration, validation, and insight. Areas of Responsibility:
Simulation Platforms : Expand our internal simulation capabilities to support a growing range of vehicle types, environmental conditions, and use cases — from early prototyping to continuous testing and external evaluation. Log Playback & Analysis Tools : Design and build systems that allow engineers to replay recorded system behavior, with fine-grained control over how state, perception, and decisions are rendered and analyzed. Time-Series and State Visualization : Develop fast, intuitive tools for inspecting complex telemetry data across time, supporting triage, debugging, and performance evaluation. Customer-Facing Simulation Enablement : Contribute to the delivery of simulation capabilities to external users through web interfaces and deployment infrastructure, making them accessible for training, integration, and evaluation purposes. How you'll make an impact:
Lead the design and implementation of scalable simulation and visualization tools used across autonomy development and testing workflows. Collaborate with autonomy, QA, and infrastructure teams to gather requirements, align on priorities, and deliver impactful tooling. Architect data pipelines that transform log and simulation data into structured, queryable formats suitable for playback and analysis. Build frontend components and APIs that expose data insights clearly and efficiently, tailored to a wide range of technical audiences. Contribute to the long-term vision and roadmap for developer tools that improve debugging efficiency, test coverage, and system understanding. What makes you a good fit:
3+ years of professional experience in software engineering, ideally in robotics, simulation, or systems development. Proficiency in C++ and/or Python , with a strong grasp of performance-sensitive and multi-threaded systems. Experience with simulation frameworks, time-synchronized data systems, or state-machine-driven applications. Familiarity with structured data visualization, log processing, or developer tooling design. Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams. Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment where requirements evolve and priorities shift. Bonus Experience:
Experience with real-time or high-fidelity simulation systems in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar domains. Background in telemetry systems, log ingestion pipelines, or automated test environments. Front-end development skills in modern web frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript, Three.js, Plotly) with a focus on data interaction and visualization. Familiarity with distributed systems or cloud-hosted services used to support internal tools and customer applications.
Compensation Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - 240,000*. 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. *For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional 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 veteranstatus, 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/ Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Skydio? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile Website Prior Government Employment? * Select... Do you currently, or have you in the last 10 years, worked for the US government (e.g., Congressional staffer, member of military, state, or federal agencies)? Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file. As set forth in Skydio’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury
Disability Status Select... PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
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We are looking for an experienced software engineer to lead the development of simulation and log visualization tools that support every stage of the autonomy lifecycle. You will be responsible for building and evolving core internal platforms that allow engineers to test new ideas, diagnose system behaviors, and understand complex interactions between software and the physical world. This role combines backend systems work with front-end visualization, and requires a strong sense of software design, developer experience, and a passion for enabling others through effective tooling. The systems you build will be used daily by autonomy developers, test engineers, and even customers — forming the foundation for iteration, validation, and insight. Areas of Responsibility:
Simulation Platforms : Expand our internal simulation capabilities to support a growing range of vehicle types, environmental conditions, and use cases — from early prototyping to continuous testing and external evaluation. Log Playback & Analysis Tools : Design and build systems that allow engineers to replay recorded system behavior, with fine-grained control over how state, perception, and decisions are rendered and analyzed. Time-Series and State Visualization : Develop fast, intuitive tools for inspecting complex telemetry data across time, supporting triage, debugging, and performance evaluation. Customer-Facing Simulation Enablement : Contribute to the delivery of simulation capabilities to external users through web interfaces and deployment infrastructure, making them accessible for training, integration, and evaluation purposes. How you'll make an impact:
Lead the design and implementation of scalable simulation and visualization tools used across autonomy development and testing workflows. Collaborate with autonomy, QA, and infrastructure teams to gather requirements, align on priorities, and deliver impactful tooling. Architect data pipelines that transform log and simulation data into structured, queryable formats suitable for playback and analysis. Build frontend components and APIs that expose data insights clearly and efficiently, tailored to a wide range of technical audiences. Contribute to the long-term vision and roadmap for developer tools that improve debugging efficiency, test coverage, and system understanding. What makes you a good fit:
3+ years of professional experience in software engineering, ideally in robotics, simulation, or systems development. Proficiency in C++ and/or Python , with a strong grasp of performance-sensitive and multi-threaded systems. Experience with simulation frameworks, time-synchronized data systems, or state-machine-driven applications. Familiarity with structured data visualization, log processing, or developer tooling design. Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams. Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment where requirements evolve and priorities shift. Bonus Experience:
Experience with real-time or high-fidelity simulation systems in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar domains. Background in telemetry systems, log ingestion pipelines, or automated test environments. Front-end development skills in modern web frameworks (e.g., React, TypeScript, Three.js, Plotly) with a focus on data interaction and visualization. Familiarity with distributed systems or cloud-hosted services used to support internal tools and customer applications.
Compensation Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - 240,000*. 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. *For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional 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 veteranstatus, 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/ Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at Skydio? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile Website Prior Government Employment? * Select... Do you currently, or have you in the last 10 years, worked for the US government (e.g., Congressional staffer, member of military, state, or federal agencies)? Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file. As set forth in Skydio’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury
Disability Status Select... PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
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