Camera Reliability Engineer

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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.

As a Senior Camera Systems Reliability Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the Hardware Reliability Team, responsible for defining, testing, and improving reliability of our camera modules and sensors. In this role, you will develop reliability requirements, establish test conditions, work closely with module vendors and internal teams to drive and execute failure analysis, implement corrective actions, and help improve design and process to meet requirements.

Your expertise will be critical in ensuring the seamless integration, high‑performance, and reliability of our camera systems for our next‑generation of drones.

• Participate in design reviews, facilitate FMEAs, and provide key 'Design for Reliability' inputs. Aim to mitigate risks from the first prototypes to the first customer shipment and beyond.
• Work closely with the System Reliability team to understand and convert system requirements into module level requirements documents for next gen cameras and sensors.
• Manage reliability test and qualification at module vendors by ensuring that test plans are followed, schedule is met, and lessons learned are applied to iterative builds.
• Dive into hands‑on testing and failure analysis where needed to accelerate learnings and drive rapid issue resolution.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, process, and software engineering teams to perform failure analysis, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent learning and growth opportunity, supporting the camera hardware engineering team developing multiple custom cameras, while having a significant impact on Skydio’s future roadmap and the entire drone industry.

• At least 4 years developing a comprehensive understanding of design and process challenges involved in developing and validating highly reliable miniaturized camera modules and other optical systems.
• Proven ability to perform DOE and reliability statistical analysis including regression analysis, distribution analysis, survival analysis, etc.
• Demonstrated failure analysis, root cause investigation, and problem‑solving skills within optical, mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Familiarity with metrology tools and quantitative measurement methodology, including measurement system analysis (e.g. Gage R&R).
• Prior experience of working with subcontract manufacturing partners and remotely driving test execution, FA and process improvement efforts.
• Experience with hands‑on lab testing of cameras and illuminators is a plus.
• Ability to perform FEM simulations and analyze and correlate their results when related to mechanical reliability is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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 $168,000 - $230,000. 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 and receive the following benefits: paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401(k) savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are…