AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Core Simulator Architecture: Design, implement, and evolve the foundational architecture of the Skydio Simulator, ensuring it scales across vehicle types, environments, and use cases.
Physics and Dynamics: Improve and extend physics models governing vehicle motion, interactions with the environment, and dynamic agents.
Sensor and Hardware Simulation: Build high-fidelity simulations of cameras, IMUs, and other onboard components, including timing, noise characteristics, and hardware behavior.
Autonomy Stack Integration: Run and validate the full Skydio autonomy stack in simulation, ensuring consistency between simulated and real-world behavior.
Feature Development on Top of the Core: Implement simulator capabilities that unlock new workflows for customers and internal autonomy engineers, from training scenarios to advanced testing modes.
Performance and Fidelity: Profile, optimize, and improve simulator performance while continuously pushing realism and accuracy.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Develop core simulator components in C++ and Python, working close to real-time constraints.
Collaborate with autonomy, perception, and controls engineers to align simulation behavior with real-world systems.
Debug complex interactions between physics, sensors, autonomy logic, and rendering.
Help shape the long-term technical direction of the simulator as both a product and an internal platform.
Contribute to documentation and shared understanding of how the simulator works internally.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong software engineering experience with C++ and Python.
Experience building complex systems where performance, determinism, or correctness matter.
Comfort reasoning about time-synchronized systems, state machines, or real-time execution.
Ability to work in a large, evolving codebase with multiple stakeholders.
Interest in robotics, simulation, or physical systems (prior robotics experience is a plus, not a requirement).
BONUS EXPERIENCE
Robotics, simulation, game engines, or real-time systems.
Physics engines, sensor modeling, or hardware abstraction layers.
Multithreaded or low-latency system design.
Experience debugging systems that span software and physical behavior.
Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Masters, and $70/hr for PhD students*. 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.
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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/
