Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer – Camera Systems

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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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; Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions

Benefits

Equity in the form of stock options; Comprehensive benefits packages; Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles; Group health insurance plans; Paid vacation time; Sick leave; Holiday pay; 401K savings plan