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

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. Regular, full‑time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and receive paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401(k) savings plan.

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.