Autonomy Engineer - Fixed Wing Planning & Controls

Stack

Responsibilities

• ▹Architect, implement, simulate, and flight-test new motion planning strategies
• ▹Develop, tune, and analyze new flight controllers
• ▹Refine the aerodynamic and dynamic model of the tailsitter aircraft using simulated and flight-test data
• ▹Inform hardware design decisions (e.g., sensor requirements, aerodynamic control authority) through simulation and analysis
• ▹Contribute across the stack wherever needed

Requirements

• ▹Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in real-time contexts
• ▹Experience shipping software that controls real hardware (aircraft, drones, robots, etc.)
• ▹Knowledge of aircraft and rotorcraft dynamics
• ▹Experience with non-linear optimization
• ▹Modern and classical control theory and practice
• ▹Strong software engineering fundamentals and commitment to clean, maintainable, readable code
• ▹Experience collaborating in a larger codebase

Soft skills

What we offer

• ▹Competitive base salary and equity (stock options)
• ▹Comprehensive health insurance package
• ▹Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay
• ▹401K savings plan
• ▹Relocation assistance for eligible roles

About the company

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, combining deep AI expertise with best-in-class hardware and software development to serve a broad range of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders and military applications.