Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior Autonomy Engineer at Skydio, the individual will focus on developing and refining low-level control algorithms that ensure stable flight and precise gimbal motion for autonomous drones. Key skills include proficiency in C++, modern control design methods, and experience with real hardware systems, such as aerial robots or self-driving vehicles. This position is ideal for someone with a strong software engineering background and a commitment to clean code, suited for a senior-level engineer looking to impact cutting-edge drone technology.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Skydio's careers page October 29, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for AI/ML roles (median ~$190,000).
Starts above 29% of 28 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States that list C++ we track (median $178,000 across 18 companies). See C++ salary trends
C++ appears in 9.1% of 550 comparable senior ai/ml roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: Skydio lists $170,000–$240,000 for this role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Dynamic Programming, non-linear optimization.
What seniority level is this role?: Skydio targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior Autonomy Engineer - Controls role at Skydio.

From the original posting

About the Role:

The controls algorithms running onboard our autonomous drones define its behavior creating stable/smooth flight and gimbal motion. This enables our pilots to easily execute their objectives from inspection & mapping to missions and security use cases. You will contribute to the development and implementation of the core motion planning software touching everything from the low-level stabilization and control, to high level task-specific frameworks, with a particular focus on the low-level controls.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Develop, tune, and evaluate low level controllers and trajectory optimization
Work across the software system to define the right data and interfaces for successful control
Work with the UX team to explore and define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms

What Makes You a Good Fit:

Industry or Research experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping manipulation of a robotic arm, self-driving cars, aerial robots, or any kind of mobile robot.

Modern and classical control design methods.
High proficiency in C++.
Dynamic programming.
Non-linear optimization.
Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well-architected 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.

Compensation:

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 - $240,000*. 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. 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.

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Standard company text repeated across Skydio's postings is omitted here.

Senior Autonomy Engineer - Controls

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