aimlroles

Senior Autonomy Engineer - Computer Vision

Skydio skydio.com Open · verified Oct 22, 2026
Hybrid San Mateo Full-time Senior Machine Learning Engineering

At a glance

Senior Machine Learning Engineering role at Skydio. San Mateo · full-time · $170,000–$277,500 base.

SalaryStated by Skydio
$170,000 – $277,500
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from SkydioOur estimate for the market: $229,875–$312,073Median $250,000
The range includes the market median of $250,000 for senior machine learning engineering roles in San Mateo.
Worked out from 7 postings that stated pay, median $250,000. Last updated Sep 29, 2026.
RoleMachine Learning Engineering
SenioritySenior
LocationSan Mateo
WorkplaceHybrid
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$170,000–$277,500
PostedSep 16, 2026 · 5w ago
Role brief

aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

  • Build real-time algorithms for drone vision, including estimation, mapping, tracking, classification and detection
  • Develop new vision features and measure how well the system performs
  • Explore and prototype alternative approaches to computer vision problems
  • Step into other areas of the software when the work calls for it

What you bring

  • You have hands-on experience with visual odometry, state estimation, mapping and SLAM
  • You can apply probabilistic inference, 3D geometry and deep learning, including training data and online learning
  • You write C++ at a high level and bring strong software engineering skills, with care for clean architecture
  • You can optimize algorithms to run within tight computing limits

Who this fits

This senior engineering role suits someone who can connect mathematical ideas, algorithms and implementation to solve real-world problems. You’ll work in a small, collaborative team. The role is hybrid in San Mateo, and FAA Part 107 certification is strongly encouraged within your first sixty days; it is required for certain 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:

The core of our system is the computer vision algorithms that allow drones to understand the world around them. You will architect and implement the algorithms that run on every drone powered by Skydio as part of a world class computer vision team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry.

We are looking for people who bring together an understanding of the relevant theory, solid software skills, and an ability to drive through to working solutions.


How you'll make an impact:

  • Design and implement real-time estimation, mapping, tracking, classification, and detection algorithms

  • Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users

  • Characterize and quantify the performance of the vision system

  • Research and prototype new approaches

  • Be a generalist helping out on all aspects of the software when needed

What makes you a good fit:

  • More important than specific domain experience is an ability to make the math, the algorithms, and the code all line up and work well on real world problems

  • Hands-on experience with visual odometry, state estimation, mapping, and SLAM

  • Proficiency with probabilistic inference and 3d geometry

  • Optimization for computationally constrained environments

  • Deep Learning - training data, neural networks, online learning

  • Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well architected code

  • High proficiency in C++

  • Ability to thrive in a fast paced, collaborative, small team environment

  • 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: The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - $277,500*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends.

*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/