Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer

Hayward, California, United States- Full-time

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 highly motivated Senior Process Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for our current and next generation of autonomous products. In this role, you will drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing processes, improving labor efficiency, increasing production capacity, and ensuring scalable manufacturing solutions from new product introduction through high-volume production.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing manufacturing processes, production line layouts, tooling requirements, labor models, and ramp plans from prototype through mass production.

Develop and maintain standardized work instructions and manufacturing documentation that ensure repeatable, high-quality production processes.

Conduct time studies using methodologies such as MODAPTS, MOST, or traditional stopwatch studies to establish labor standards and identify productivity improvement opportunities.

Perform capacity studies, line balancing, and production modeling to identify bottlenecks and ensure manufacturing readiness to meet production demand.

Analyze Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), cycle times, and production performance metrics to drive throughput improvements and maximize equipment utilization.

Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve ergonomics, enhance product quality, and increase operational efficiency.

Partner closely with Manufacturing Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Test Engineering to successfully introduce new products and implement engineering changes.

Manage multiple manufacturing improvement projects from concept through implementation, balancing scope, schedule, resources, and measurable business outcomes.

Support production by rapidly troubleshooting manufacturing issues, implementing corrective actions, and driving sustainable process improvements.

Develop business cases for capital equipment, automation, tooling, and process improvements that improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing scalability.

Mentor junior engineers and technicians while promoting engineering best practices across the manufacturing organization.

What Makes You a Good Fit:

7+ years experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes throughout the full product lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) through high-volume production.

Hands‑on experience conducting time studies using MOST, MODAPTS, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), or traditional industrial engineering methodologies.

Strong knowledge of standard work development, labor balancing, work measurement, and continuous improvement techniques.

Experience performing capacity analysis, production planning, line balancing, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis to improve manufacturing performance.

Demonstrated project management experience leading cross‑functional manufacturing initiatives from planning through execution.

Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, including value stream mapping, waste elimination, visual management, root cause analysis, and Kaizen methodologies.

Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar manufacturing software.

Strong analytical skills with proficiency in and experience using SQL, Power BI, Python, or other data analysis tools to drive operational decisions.

Ability to develop and interpret manufacturing layouts, process flows, and facility models using CAD or similar design software.

Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Enthusiasm for hands‑on manufacturing, continuous improvement, and solving complex technical challenges in a fast‑paced production environment.

Flexibility to support production operations and occasional off‑shift manufacturing activities as needed.

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 $145,000 - $219,000k*. 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.

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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.

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