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Software Engineer - Embedded

Join Skydio as an embedded software engineer to architect and develop firmware for autonomous drones in a fast-paced environment.

Location
San Mateo, California, United States
Compensation
$127.5k–$210k/yr
Level
mid
Type
full time

Posted by employer 3 days ago

First seen on Joblaze 1 day ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Apply at Skydio → Save job Scanned from skydio.com

What you'll build

  • Provide technical direction and architecture of complex systems
  • Design and implement the embedded software that runs on the vehicle
  • Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems
  • Bring up and debug new hardware
  • Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and other devices

Must have

  • Ability to write modern C++ in a real-time embedded environment
  • Python development experience
  • Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device
  • Embedded Linux userspace and kernel development
  • Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization

Nice to have

  • SOC development (Qualcomm devices a plus)
  • Knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level
  • Embedded security and cryptographic firmware development

Practical constraints

  • Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged

Not disclosed in this posting: years of experience, work arrangement, visa sponsorship.

Benefits

401k Match Holiday Pay Equity/Stock Options Sick Leave Paid vacation time Health Insurance

Joblaze summary

In this role, the embedded software engineer at Skydio will focus on developing and maintaining the firmware that powers autonomous drones, ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software. Key skills include proficiency in modern C++ for real-time embedded systems, experience with embedded Linux, and familiarity with SOC development, particularly on Qualcomm devices. This position is well-suited for engineers with a strong background in firmware development and hardware debugging, ideally at a mid to senior level. The team collaborates closely with hardware engineers, contributing to a multidisciplinary environment that values diverse perspectives.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed yesterday — first seen on Joblaze September 27, 2026. Last confirmed on Skydio's careers page September 27, 2026.
  • This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Skydio: San Mateo, California, United States.
  • Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,555).
  • Starts above 81% of 296 comparable mid other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $110,500 across 54 companies). See Python salary trends
  • Python appears in 17.2% of 2939 comparable mid other roles in United States; RTOS appears in 0.1% of 2939 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?
Skydio lists $127,500–$210,000 for this role.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, Embedded Linux, Embedded Systems, Python, RTOS, hardware bring-up.
What seniority level is this role?
Skydio targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Software Engineer - Embedded role at Skydio.

From the original posting

About the team: 

Our team is responsible for large portions of the software engineering stack, working on a wide variety of subsystems. We write bare metal and RTOS microcontroller code (stm32 product line), integrate and write code for embedded linux and android platforms (Qualcomm and Nvidia SOCs), maintain the associated linux kernels, and help design and bring up all new electronics. 

We work closely with both the hardware team and the rest of the software organization, creating the foundation for the rest of the Skydio software team to build upon.

About the role: 

Reliable embedded firmware acts as the brain stem of our autonomous drones and the foundation for the growing accessory product line -- bridging the gap between the algorithms and the sensors/mechanical hardware. As a Skydio embedded software engineer, you will have the opportunity to architect, build out and lead the development of both current and future products in a fast-paced environment.

How you'll make an impact:

  • Provide technical direction and architecture of complex systems

  • Design and implement the embedded software that runs on the vehicle

  • Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. next-gen camera, radio)

  • Bring up and debug new hardware

  • Write interfaces and drivers for sensors and other devices

What makes you a good fit:

  • Ability to write modern C++ in a real-time embedded environment

  • Python development experience

  • Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries

  • SOC development (Qualcomm devices a plus), embedded microcontrollers, camera drivers

  • Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device

  • Embedded linux userspace and kernel development

  • Fundamental knowledge of low-level firmware

  • Hands-on hardware bring-up, system debugging and code optimization

  • Knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level

  • Embedded security and cryptographic firmware development

  • 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 $127,500 - $210,000*. 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.

#LI-TK1

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

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