Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Camera Systems

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 designs and manufactures fully autonomous drones that use state of the art hardware paired with advanced computer vision and machine learning to ensure our users always have access to the visual information they need. As a key member of our end-to-end imaging team, you will leverage deep expertise in ISP pipelines and Linux-based SoCs to architect and develop cutting-edge camera subsystems for both current and next-generation products.

About the Team:

We design camera systems that support autonomous navigation, professional media capture, and industrial inspection and situational awareness. From early-stage user needs analysis to mass production, we manage the entire lifecycle: requirements definition, hardware bring-up, tuning, and validation. We work closely with the broader software organization to lay a strong foundation for the rest of the stack.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Lead development and integration of camera subsystems
• Design and bring up ISP and camera hardware
• Configure and optimize ISP and encoder pipelines
• Collaborate with image quality, calibration, and test teams to deliver production-ready camera software
• Develop next-generation image processing algorithms for autonomous flight applications
• Bring up and debug new hardware platforms and prototypes

What Makes You a Good Fit:

• Proven experience with ISP development on ARM-based Linux/Android SoCs, especially Qualcomm platforms
• Deep understanding of ISP pipeline architecture, including front-end, Bayer processing, and post-processing
• Strong background in algorithm development across CPU, DSP, GPU, and ISP pipelines
• Hands-on experience with real-time 3A algorithms
• Familiarity with Android Camera HAL3, Linux V4L2, AVC, and HEVC standards
• Experience with GStreamer and GPU shader-based implementations for image processing (Debayering, lens shading, etc.)
• Strong embedded development experience, including firmware for physical hardware
• Proficiency in modern C++ in real-time, embedded environments
• Python scripting and development skills
• Skilled in hardware bring-up, low-level debugging, and performance optimization
• Commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and well-abstracted code
• 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 $170,000 - 277,500*. 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.

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.

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