Senior​/Embedded Software Engineer – Camera Systems

Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer – Camera Systems

San Mateo, California, United States - Full-time

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.

Skydio designs and manufactures fully autonomous drones that use state of the art hardware paired with advanced computer vision and machine learning to ensure our users always have access to the visual information they need. As a key member of our end‑to‑end imaging team, you will leverage deep expertise in ISP pipelines and Linux‑based SoCs to architect and develop cutting‑edge camera subsystems for both current and next‑generation products.

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 the broader software organization to lay a strong foundation for the rest of the stack.

Lead development and integration of camera subsystems

Design and bring up ISP and camera 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

Proven experience with ISP development on ARM‑based Linux/Android SoCs, especially Qualcomm platforms

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 real‑time 3A algorithms

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

Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

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.

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.

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