Head of Electrical Engineering

About the role:

We’re building the world’s best-automated data capture platform, giving our customers the ability to put sensors anywhere, anytime, to capture better data and make better decisions that help them operate more efficiently and keep people safer. The end-capability is simple, but the technology stack to deliver it is extremely complex. The electrical system sits at the core of making it all possible, covering everything from power electronics for the motors, to high-speed data for the 9 cameras on our drones, to integrating multiple high-compute SOCs that run our AI software, to advanced wireless systems. The magic and power of our products come from the deep integration and co-design of hardware and software, and our leadership in autonomy is a testament to a level of integration that no one else has yet been able to achieve.

But we’re still early. There is a lot more hardware and software to be built to realize the opportunity. Your mandate will be to architect, refine, optimize, and scale up the next generation of electronic systems to enable us to design and build more and better autonomous drones than anyone else on the planet, as we scale the business to serve more and more customers in a mission-critical capacity.

How you'll make an impact:

• Lead the development of cutting-edge vehicle platforms - from initial concept to large-scale production - integrating state-of-the-art compute, sensor, and connectivity technologies to power the world’s most advanced autonomous drone systems.
• Work closely with a cross-functional team—including product design, firmware, software, quality and reliability engineering, program management, supply chain, manufacturing, testing, and operations—to drive new product development from prototype through mass production while supporting and enhancing existing products.
• Hire, develop, and guide a motivated, engaged, and high-performing team of engineers.
• Setting a clear vision and operational execution plan for the Electrical Engineering organization.
• Identify areas of improvement, construct plans, and drive the evolution of our electrical engineering team to achieve these targets
• Get your hands dirty in architecture, DFM, and failure analysis development.  Leverage your deep design experience and understand best practices.
• Establish and refine best practices in electrical design, including power management, signal integrity, RF desense, EMI/EMC compliance, and PCB layout.
• Leverage your technical expertise and leadership to drive and inspire a high-performing electrical design team. You’ll own team structure, resource planning, and priority alignment - while providing strategic guidance and mentorship to engineers as they tackle complex challenges across cutting-edge hardware programs.
• Utilize advanced FA methods to identify issues, monitor and improve manufacturing processes, and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate program status, technical risks, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Work with leaders across the organization to understand the targets and prioritize the team to hit the goals of the multiple products in various stages of production and development at any given time
• Define key performance indicators to drive continuous improvements in the process.
• Through a mix of hiring outside and developing internal talent, you will ensure that the team members are receiving the development opportunities and coaching required to realize their full potential.

What makes you a good fit:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field
• Preference for advanced degrees
• 10+ years of hands-on experience designing, manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting complex board designs, ideally with expertise in high-volume production and/or complex robotics
• Proven leadership/management experience building and motivating deeply technical teams.
• Deep expertise in system architecture, embedded systems, PCB design, DFM, power electronics, high-speed signals, signal integrity, EMI/EMC compliance, validation, test, and failure analysis.
• Strong understanding of RF systems, communication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE), as well as camera and sensor integration.
• Demonstrated track record of pushing complex programs from infancy into full-scale production. Hands-on experience working with contract manufacturers and driving products from prototype to high-volume production.

Compensation: 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 $226,000 - $320,000*. 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.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the candidate's location.