Autonomy Engineer - Fixed Wing Planning & Controls

Skills this role screens for

About the role

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 https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

The work

About the Role

As an Autonomy Engineer you will contribute to the development and implementation of the core planning & control stack on F10, Skydio’s tailsitter platform. The F10 must reliably operate in the many tailsitter aerodynamic regimes – this coupled with the longer horizon of a faster vehicle makes the planning and control problems challenging and unique.

Learn more about F10, our next-generation tailsitter platform, here https://www.skydio.com/f10.

Also

How You'll Make an Impact

• Architect, implement, simulate, and flight test new motion planning strategies
• Develop, tune, and analyze new flight controllers
• Refine and understand the aerodynamic and dynamic model of a tailsitter aircraft using simulated and flight test data
• Inform aspects of hardware design such as sensor requirements and aerodynamic control authority through simulation and analysis
• Get out of your comfort zone and help across the stack where needed

Also

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python in real-time contexts,
• Experience shipping software that controls real hardware, e.g. aircraft, drones, robots, etc.
• Knowledge of aircraft and rotorcraft dynamics.
• Experience with non-linear optimization.
• Modern and classical control theory and practice.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and a commitment to writing clean, well-designed, maintainable, readable code.
• Experience collaborating in a larger code base.
• Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

What you get

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.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.

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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.

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