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Engineering Manager - Autonomy - job 1 of 2

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 built around deep technological investments in autonomy that lead to breakthrough products. We are looking for world-class engineering leaders to scale up the autonomy team to deliver Skydio’s vision. Our small team has incredible technical strength in solving complex algorithmic challenges, and needs help growing to meet the product opportunities ahead. You will be responsible for one or more areas of ownership across core drone platforms, SW architecture, simulation, SDK, object detection, map infrastructure, situational awareness, computational photography, and state estimation. You will manage the execution of the product + technology roadmap and be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and driving infrastructure investments that make us successful. We are open to candidates with a broad range of experience from tech leads to senior directors who are passionate about our mission.

How you'll make an impact:

  • Leverage product insight, robotics and/or computer vision, and high quality software engineering to bring state-of-the-art autonomy technology to market
  • Execute on complex cross-team goals, collaborating across our product management, embedded, mobile, cloud, hardware, and flight test teams with emphasis on excellent communication
  • Hire and mentor elite engineers to scale up our team
  • Leverage your experience and best practices to uphold and improve Skydio’s engineering standards

What makes you a good fit:

  • Hands-on technical leader with strong software engineering experience
  • Deep understanding of topics in robotics, computer vision, and software systems
  • Proven leadership, management, recruiting, team building, and communication skills
  • Solid fundamentals in 3D geometry, mathematics, and linear algebra
  • Experience with hardware is a plus but not required
  • You love building flying robots and making them do amazing things in the world

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 - 276,000*. 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.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s 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 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/

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Average salary estimate

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$170000K
$276000K

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What You Should Know About Engineering Manager - Autonomy, Skydio

Skydio, the leading US drone company and a pioneer in autonomous flight technology, is on the lookout for an Engineering Manager - Autonomy to join our dynamic team in San Mateo, California. As we continue to shape the future of drones and aerial mobility, we need someone passionate about building flying robots that genuinely transform how people interact with technology. In this role, you will lead a talented group focused on pushing the boundaries of autonomy, utilizing your deep expertise in software engineering, robotics, and computer vision. You'll be at the forefront of our cutting-edge projects, overseeing one or more key areas like core drone platforms, simulation, SDK, and situational awareness, among others. Your responsibilities will also include steering the execution of our technology roadmap and fostering a culture of excellence as you mentor and grow our talented team of engineers. Whether you come from a tech lead or senior director background, your leadership will be crucial as we navigate complex challenges and bring innovative autonomy technology to market. At Skydio, we believe that a diverse team leads to creativity and success, so if you love building amazing technology and want to make an impact, this may just be the perfect opportunity for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Engineering Manager - Autonomy Role at Skydio
What are the main responsibilities of an Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio?

As the Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio, your primary responsibility will be to lead the autonomy team, overseeing technology roadmap execution and managing various aspects of drone platforms and software architecture. You'll collaborate cross-functionally with product management, hardware, and cloud teams to ensure the successful integration of autonomy technology. Your role will also involve hiring and mentoring talented engineers and driving infrastructure investments critical to our success.

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What qualifications should an Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio have?

Ideal candidates for the Engineering Manager - Autonomy position at Skydio should have extensive experience in software engineering, along with a deep understanding of robotics, computer vision, and software systems. Strong leadership skills, proven ability to build and mentor teams, and effective communication are essential. While hardware experience is a plus, it is not a strict requirement; what's vital is your passion for creating innovative flying robots.

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How does the Engineering Manager - Autonomy role contribute to Skydio's mission?

The Engineering Manager - Autonomy plays a significant role in advancing Skydio's mission by leveraging advanced product insights and technical expertise to bring state-of-the-art autonomy technology to market. Your leadership will help drive innovation across various teams, ensuring that Skydio remains at the forefront of the drone industry and continues to empower users in diverse fields, from public safety to defense.

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What opportunities for growth exist for an Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio?

As an Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the direction of our autonomy initiatives and directly influence the growth of our team and technology offerings. You will engage in leadership development opportunities, actively participate in high-impact projects, and contribute to best practices that can enhance engineering standards, fostering both personal and professional growth within a supportive environment.

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What is the compensation structure for the Engineering Manager - Autonomy role at Skydio?

Skydio offers competitive compensation packages for the Engineering Manager - Autonomy position, which includes a base salary ranging from $170,000 to $276,000, depending on factors such as skill level and experience. In addition to base salary, you may also receive stock options, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans, and generous paid leave policies, ensuring a holistic approach to your compensation and overall job satisfaction.

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Common Interview Questions for Engineering Manager - Autonomy
Can you describe your experience with decision-making in team leadership as an Engineering Manager - Autonomy?

In answering this question, you should emphasize specific examples of situations where your decision-making significantly influenced your team's success. Highlight the context, your thought process, and the outcomes, ensuring you connect your experience to the needs of the Engineering Manager - Autonomy role at Skydio.

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How do you approach cross-team collaboration in complex projects?

Detail your strategies for fostering effective communication and collaboration among various teams, as this is imperative for an Engineering Manager - Autonomy. Share examples where your collaborative efforts led to successful project outcomes, aligning them with Skydio’s focus on teamwork.

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What is your understanding of current trends in autonomous technology?

Your answer should reflect a well-informed perspective on trends affecting the drone and autonomous tech space. Discuss relevant advancements in robotics and computer vision, illustrating your knowledge and showing how it can benefit Skydio’s innovation efforts.

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Explain your experience with mentoring junior engineers. How do you foster their development?

Share specific mentorship experiences, focusing on how you recognize and nurture potential. Discuss the strategies you employ for providing feedback, facilitating skill development, and creating opportunities for growth, key elements you'll likely implement as Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio.

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Can you give an example of a challenging algorithmic problem you encountered, and how you resolved it?

When answering this question, focus on a real-life algorithmic challenge you faced and your step-by-step approach to resolving it. Aim to demonstrate your analytical thinking while linking the complexity of the issue back to Skydio’s products and responsibilities.

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What tools and technologies are you proficient in related to drone software architecture?

Outline your familiarity with specific tools and technologies relevant to drone software architecture, such as simulation software or programming languages. This will illustrate your technical depth and readiness to contribute as the Engineering Manager - Autonomy at Skydio.

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How do you handle setbacks or failures in projects?

Discuss a specific setback you faced, how you responded, and the lessons you learned from the experience. Highlighting resilience and the ability to adapt is crucial for an Engineering Manager - Autonomy's role.

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What motivates you to work in the field of aerospace and autonomous systems?

Your answer should convey your passion for the aerospace industry and explain how it aligns with your professional goals. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to innovation in autonomous systems relevant to Skydio’s mission.

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In your view, what makes a successful autonomous system?

Elaborate on your criteria for success in autonomous systems, touching on reliability, safety, user-friendliness, and performance. This will reflect your understanding of Skydio's goals and the standards expected in the Engineering Manager - Autonomy position.

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How would you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?

Demonstrate your organizational skills by describing how you would assess and prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Explain how you’d communicate priorities to your team, showing your readiness for the dynamic nature of Skydio’s work culture.

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Skydio is a leading American drone manufacturer headquartered in San Mateo, California. We are commited to creating the world’s most intelligent flying machines for use by consumer, enterprise, and government customers.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 27, 2025

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