Flight Test Engineer - National Security

Flight Test Engineer - National Security San Mateo, California, United States 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. About the Role Skydio is seeking a mission-driven Flight Test Engineer to validate and advance our next-generation aircraft for National Security partners, including defense and government customers. You’ll ensure operational reliability and mission readiness across our portfolio, working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams. This role involves designing and executing test campaigns under urgent timelines and high-consequence missions. The position is based onsite in San Mateo, with occasional travel to field test sites. How You’ll Make an Impact Plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns to validate mission readiness and performance. Create and run smoke and regression tests to validate system performance Track and report system performance across hardware and software builds. Identify system limitations early and drive reliability improvements. Validate software changes for stable, repeatable performance. Collect and analyze flight data in contested and GPS/RF-degraded environments. Generate logged flight data and media to characterize system readiness. Design and execute test procedures for: Navigation/autonomy in degraded environments Secure telemetry and C2 link integrity Flight control and propulsion reliability Emergency and failsafe modes 3rd-party attachments and control integrations Features for critical mission execution Partner with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and success criteria. Ensure safe, secure test configurations of aircraft and ground systems. Contribute to test readiness reviews, safety assessments, and mission debriefs. Support compliance, certification, and documentation for government programs. What Makes You a Good Fit Strong background in software/hardware QA and testing Hands-on debugging of complex systems (hardware, software, networking, integration) UAS operations experience, preferably defense/government Knowledge of UAS subsystems (flight control, navigation, comms, payloads) Familiarity with RF environments, secure comms, and autonomy in degraded conditions Basic mechanical/electrical integration skills Experience with Linux-based systems Passion for aviation, autonomy, and mission-driven work Strong communication and documentation skills Ability to travel up to 20% to various testing sites, customer sites, and remote Skydio offices Required FAA Part 107 Certification Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance 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. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000–$156,000. Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans and benefits, including paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay, and a 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable laws and Company policies. #LI-WA1 At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to an inclusive culture and encourage diverse perspectives. 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 law. For positions located in the United States, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit Equal Employment Opportunity is the law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-24