Skydio Inc.
Flight Test Engineer - National Security
Skydio Inc., San Mateo, California, United States, 94409
Flight Test Engineer - National Security
San Mateo, California, United States
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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond.
About the Role Skydio is seeking a mission-driven Flight Test Engineer to validate and advance our next-generation aircraft for National Security partners, including defense and government customers. You’ll ensure operational reliability and mission readiness across our portfolio, working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams. This role involves designing and executing test campaigns under urgent timelines and high-consequence missions. The position is based onsite in San Mateo, with occasional travel to field test sites.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns to validate mission readiness and performance.
Create and run smoke and regression tests to validate system performance
Track and report system performance across hardware and software builds.
Identify system limitations early and drive reliability improvements.
Validate software changes for stable, repeatable performance.
Collect and analyze flight data in contested and GPS/RF-degraded environments.
Generate logged flight data and media to characterize system readiness.
Design and execute test procedures for:
Navigation/autonomy in degraded environments
Secure telemetry and C2 link integrity
Flight control and propulsion reliability
Emergency and failsafe modes
3rd-party attachments and control integrations
Features for critical mission execution
Partner with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and success criteria.
Ensure safe, secure test configurations of aircraft and ground systems.
Contribute to test readiness reviews, safety assessments, and mission debriefs.
Support compliance, certification, and documentation for government programs.
What Makes You a Good Fit
Strong background in software/hardware QA and testing
Hands-on debugging of complex systems (hardware, software, networking, integration)
UAS operations experience, preferably defense/government
Knowledge of UAS subsystems (flight control, navigation, comms, payloads)
Familiarity with RF environments, secure comms, and autonomy in degraded conditions
Basic mechanical/electrical integration skills
Experience with Linux-based systems
Passion for aviation, autonomy, and mission-driven work
Strong communication and documentation skills
Ability to travel up to 20% to various testing sites, customer sites, and remote Skydio offices
Required
FAA Part 107 Certification
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
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. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000–$156,000. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and benefits, including paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable laws and Company policies.
#LI-WA1
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to an inclusive culture and encourage diverse perspectives.
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 law. For positions located in the United States, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond.
About the Role Skydio is seeking a mission-driven Flight Test Engineer to validate and advance our next-generation aircraft for National Security partners, including defense and government customers. You’ll ensure operational reliability and mission readiness across our portfolio, working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams. This role involves designing and executing test campaigns under urgent timelines and high-consequence missions. The position is based onsite in San Mateo, with occasional travel to field test sites.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns to validate mission readiness and performance.
Create and run smoke and regression tests to validate system performance
Track and report system performance across hardware and software builds.
Identify system limitations early and drive reliability improvements.
Validate software changes for stable, repeatable performance.
Collect and analyze flight data in contested and GPS/RF-degraded environments.
Generate logged flight data and media to characterize system readiness.
Design and execute test procedures for:
Navigation/autonomy in degraded environments
Secure telemetry and C2 link integrity
Flight control and propulsion reliability
Emergency and failsafe modes
3rd-party attachments and control integrations
Features for critical mission execution
Partner with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and success criteria.
Ensure safe, secure test configurations of aircraft and ground systems.
Contribute to test readiness reviews, safety assessments, and mission debriefs.
Support compliance, certification, and documentation for government programs.
What Makes You a Good Fit
Strong background in software/hardware QA and testing
Hands-on debugging of complex systems (hardware, software, networking, integration)
UAS operations experience, preferably defense/government
Knowledge of UAS subsystems (flight control, navigation, comms, payloads)
Familiarity with RF environments, secure comms, and autonomy in degraded conditions
Basic mechanical/electrical integration skills
Experience with Linux-based systems
Passion for aviation, autonomy, and mission-driven work
Strong communication and documentation skills
Ability to travel up to 20% to various testing sites, customer sites, and remote Skydio offices
Required
FAA Part 107 Certification
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
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. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000–$156,000. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and benefits, including paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable laws and Company policies.
#LI-WA1
At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to an inclusive culture and encourage diverse perspectives.
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 law. For positions located in the United States, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr