Image Quality Engineer

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 transportation. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, and operational excellence to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users - from first responders to insurance claims adjusters, utilities, and more!

About the Team:

We develop cutting-edge camera systems for autonomous drone navigation, media capture, and commercial inspection, taking projects from customer insights to production. Working directly with vendors and cross-functional teams, we ensure each system meets high technical standards and performs reliably in the field. With our in-house image quality lab, we characterize, tune, and validate lenses, sensors, and modules, using Linux, Mac, and Windows tools to refine image quality and ISP development. By analyzing flight data, we gain insights that drive continuous improvements in performance and stability.

About the role:

We are looking for an Image Quality Engineer to drive current and future product architectures that meet Skydio’s product vision, including feature requirements, module & ISP capabilities, stabilization & image processing requirements, optical & mechanical design requirements, and camera system design.  The ideal candidate will be an experienced self-starter who is passionate about developing new imaging solutions for autonomous flying robots.

How you’ll make an impact:

  • Collaborate with embedded, hardware, and autonomy teams to deliver mass production camera modules and imaging systems for media capture & autonomous navigation
  • Own camera module level characterization, calibration, manufacturing test, and system level test
  • Drive image quality tuning via iterative test & feedback including ISP, stabilization, and encoder through the full lifecycle of the design from prototype to mass production
  • Develop methods to reproduce, simulate, quantify, analyze, and present image system issues with proposed and implemented fixes

What makes you a good fit:

  • Experience in several of the following domains: image quality testing, image quality tuning, camera lab test station design & implementation, camera lab test & scripting
  • Detailed understanding of test & validation of compact imaging systems & camera  modules including image sensors, optics, auto-focus, image stabilization, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience analyzing image data from opto-electrical systems using software tools and scripts including writing scripts for analysis & automation
  • Good knowledge of state of the art ISP tuning blocks including HDR, tone-mapping, color reproduction, white balance, warping, denoise, and sharpening
  • Experience testing and validating modern imaging algorithms such as HDR, super resolution, image fusion, multi-camera registration, stabilization, and rolling shutter correction
  • Excellent written skills for clear reporting of data analysis and conclusions
  • Part 107 license (mandatory)

Compensation Range: At Skydio, our compensation packages for full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of options, comprehensive benefits, and various incentives and stipends. 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 $85,000 - $111,000. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company’s success.

#LI-AC1

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.

As such, we do not make hiring or other employment-related decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions),  gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, veteran, military or family status, or other classifications protected by applicable 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/

What team would you like to contact today?

Support