Flight Test Engineer - Camera Quality

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.

Our team focuses on ensuring the highest quality of camera systems, working at the intersection of hardware and software testing. We collaborate closely with hardware engineers, camera tuning experts, and flight test engineers to optimize the performance of drone imaging systems. We employ data-driven testing approaches, using massive amounts of flight data to assess image quality and overall system stability. Our tools include Imatest for data analysis, custom-built logging systems, and proprietary tools for testing image quality in various lighting conditions.

Skydio is seeking an enthusiastic Flight Test Engineer with a strong understanding of cameras and image quality to ensure that the units we are shipping to customers are of the highest standard. This role requires a rigorous approach to testing complex systems, particularly the camera components, across a wide spectrum of environmental and operating conditions, ensuring the overall system performs optimally.

As a Flight Test Engineer focused on Camera and Image Quality, you will be critical in ensuring that Skydio's drones deliver unparalleled imaging performance across a wide range of environmental conditions. Your expertise in camera systems will be essential as you run field tests, identify and troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with various teams to optimize product performance. You will have the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge drone technology and influence the quality of Skydio's cameras.

This is an office-based position that requires 5 days/week onsite at Skydio HQ in San Mateo, CA.

• Perform regression tests to ensure that camera systems maintain optimal performance after software or hardware updates
• Execute master testing of camera functionalities to validate new software that affects image capture and processing
• Collaborate with the hardware team to refine and optimize camera systems for customer use
• Identify and troubleshoot camera-specific issues, such as image quality degradation, exposure control, and focus inconsistencies
• Gather and analyze flight data to provide actionable insights that improve camera system performance and stability
• Work with product teams and flight test engineers to ensure that Skydio's camera systems are best-in-class

• Strong understanding of camera systems and image quality fundamentals, with experience in exposure, color accuracy, and focus control
• Background in software QA/testing, especially related to imaging systems
• Familiarity with mobile app testing (iOS/Android) and how they interface with camera systems
• Excellent communication skills with a focus on documenting camera performance and test results
• Hands-on experience with cameras in a testing or production environment, with a desire to spend significant time outdoors running tests
• FAA Part 107 license certification is required for this role

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…