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Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Camera Systems
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 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 advanced computer vision and machine learning to capture high-quality, cinematic video. As a key member of our agile embedded software team, you will leverage deep expertise in ISP pipelines and ARM-based SoCs to architect and develop cutting-edge camera subsystems for both current and next-generation products.
About the Team:
Our embedded software team plays a pivotal role in building the software backbone that powers Skydio’s drones. We work across a broad range of platforms and technologies, including:
- Bare-metal and RTOS-based microcontroller code
- Embedded Linux and Android development
- Linux kernel maintenance
- Hardware design collaboration and bring-up
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 both hardware engineers and 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 module 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 Great Fit:
- Proven experience with ISP development on ARM-based Linux/Android SoCs
- 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 stabilization algorithms and tuning (OIS, EIS)
- 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
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.
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/