Autonomy Engineer - Deep Learning Model Acceleration
At a glance
Mid-level Machine Learning Engineering role at Skydio. San Mateo · full-time · $170,000–$277,500 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build inference systems that run computer vision workloads quickly, with strong throughput and low latency across hardware types
- Measure vision and vision-language models to find slowdowns, optimize execution, and reduce inference power use
- Set up model deployment, monitoring, and retraining workflows, and develop ways to make training more efficient
- Write GPU kernels and custom inference optimizations, plus SDKs for developers creating machine-learning autonomy workflows
- Apply engineering practices across autonomy, embedded, and cloud work to support deep-learning teams
What you bring
- Hands-on work with MLOps, faster ML inference, optimization, and deployment on edge devices
- Strong command of deep-learning methods and computer vision, including image and video processing
- Experience building vision or vision-language pipelines covering data preparation, training, deployment, and monitoring
- Familiarity with ML frameworks and libraries, plus security and compliance needs for ML infrastructure
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits an engineer who can take machine-learning software from design through testing and deployment, and work within a complex codebase. It is based in San Mateo with a hybrid schedule. FAA Part 107 certification is encouraged within the first 60 days, and is required for some positions.
From the employer
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:
Learning a semantic and geometric understanding of the world from visual data is the core of our autonomy system. We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with real-time deep networks to accelerate progress in intelligent mobile robots. If you are excited about leveraging massive amounts of structured video data to solve problems in Computer Vision (CV) such as object detection and tracking, optical flow estimation and segmentation, we would love to hear from you.
As a deep learning infrastructure engineer, you will be responsible for building and scaling the infrastructure that supports Skydio’s Deep Learning (DL) and AI efforts. You will be working at the nexus of Skydio’s autonomy, embedded and cloud teams to deliver new capabilities and empower the deep learning team.
How you’ll make an impact:
Develop solutions for high-performance deep learning inference for CV workloads that can deliver high throughput and low latency on different hardware platforms
Profile CV and Vision Language Models (VLMs) to analyze performance, identify bottlenecks and acceleration/optimization opportunities and improve power efficiency of deep learning inference workloads
Design and implement end to end MLOps workflows for model deployment, monitoring, and re-training
Utilize advanced Machine Learning knowledge to leverage training or runtime frameworks or model efficiency tools to improve system performance
Create new methods for improving training efficiency
Implement GPU kernels for custom architectures and optimized inference
Design and implement SDKs that allow customers/external developers to create autonomous workflows using Machine Learning (ML)
Leverage your expertise and best-practices to uphold and improve Skydio’s engineering standards
What makes you a good fit:
Demonstrated hands-on experience with MLOps, ML inference acceleration/optimization, and edge deployment
Strong knowledge of DL fundamentals, techniques, and state-of-the-art DL models/architectures
Strong fundamentals in CV, image processing, and video processing
Demonstrated hands-on experience building and managing ML pipelines for solving vision or vision language tasks including data preparation, model training, model deployment, and monitoring
Experience and understanding of security and compliance requirements in ML infrastructure
Experience with ML frameworks and libraries
You have demonstrated ability to take a concept and systematically drive it through the software lifecycle: architecture, development, testing, and deployment, and monitoring
You are comfortable navigating and delivering within a complex codebase
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of technical depth
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 $170,000 - $277,500*. 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.
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 by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/