Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Camera

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight. The Camera & Optics member of Skydio's Supplier Quality Engineering team will own quality across the camera supply base, including lenses, coatings, actuators, image sensors, ME parts and fully assembled modules, working with internal teams and current and potential suppliers to strengthen Skydio's optical supplier base to meet increasing production volume and quality needs.

Responsibilities

Conduct supplier assessments and on-site audits of camera module, lens, and coating suppliers; Partner with Optical, Electrical, Mechanical, Image Quality, and Manufacturing Engineers on quality planning, manufacturability, testability, and supplier readiness for new product introductions and volume production; Influence camera and lens designs early through DFM/DFA reviews, opto-mechanical and statistical tolerance analysis, and design risk assessment; Drive supplier qualification activities including process audits, First Article Inspections, Production Validation Builds, and manufacturing readiness reviews; Lead supplier quality planning through prototype, pre-production, and mass production, including control plans, PFMEAs, process validations, calibration strategy, and outgoing quality strategies; Own optical end-of-line test strategy at suppliers, including MTF/SFR, distortion, relative illumination, stray light, color and luminance shading, defective pixels, and correlation of measurements; Drive supplier quality and manufacturing readiness for thermal imaging modules, including NUC calibration, gain/dynamic-range calibration, bad-pixel correction, and blackbody-based performance verification; Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), 8D investigations, containment actions, and root cause analysis; Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and KPIs focused on quality, yield, reliability, and responsiveness; Analyze factory and field quality data to identify trends and mitigate supplier risks; Validate that supplier corrective actions are sustainable and propagated to every affected line, tool, and site; Recommend alternative materials, adhesives, coatings, or process approaches that improve manufacturability, image performance, environmental robustness, or cost; Collaborate with suppliers to implement inspection, test, and process control methodologies for long-term process capability on optically critical dimensions

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience; 5+ years in supplier quality, manufacturing, or product engineering for camera modules, lenses, or optical assemblies, including hands-on experience at supplier factories; Self-starter with passion for exceptional image quality and reliability in advanced electro-optical products; Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills to influence cross-functional teams and supplier partners; Experience developing, qualifying, and managing camera and optics suppliers across multiple geographies, comfortable working across time zones and cultures; Quality engineering experience in high-volume, high-complexity consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, robotics, or similar industries; Familiarity with lens and camera module manufacturing processes (injection molding, glass lens fabrication, AR/IR coating, barrel assembly, active alignment, UV and thermal adhesive cure, dispensing, sensor attach, wire bond or flip chip, VCM and actuator assembly, optical end-of-line test); In-depth knowledge of image sensors, ISP behavior, and image quality metrics; Experience with optical simulation and analysis tools such as Zemax or Code V; Working knowledge of thermal imaging systems (uncooled infrared sensors, infrared optics, NETD, responsivity, NUC, bad-pixel correction, gain and dynamic-range calibration, thermal drift); Experience interpreting optical prescriptions, opto-mechanical drawings, GD&T, ISO 10110, and assembly drawings; Proficiency with quality tools (PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, 8D, Root Cause Analysis, SPC, process capability, Gage R&R, DOE) with measurable results; Comfortable with statistical and tolerance analysis tools such as JMP or Minitab, including Monte Carlo and statistical tolerance stack-ups; Experience with component qualification, supplier process validation, reliability testing, and failure analysis (thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, shock and drop, UV exposure, ingress protection); Available for 20–30% domestic and international travel, including on short notice

Nice to have

Six Sigma background; DFSS experience; Zemax experience (preferred); FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment (strongly encouraged)

Benefits

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