Senior Software Engineer, Hardware In Loop (HIL)

Skydio•San Mateo, CA

2d•$190,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Skydio is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to own its embedded hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system end to end. The role encompasses the Python test framework, CI integration, physical test stations, and devices used on those stations. The engineer will set technical direction, maintain reliability as products and tests grow, and make it easy for other teams to contribute tests. They will collaborate with firmware, platform, and product teams to translate validation needs into reliable automated tests and expand hardware validation and development to more teams. The role also involves triaging failed runs, distinguishing infrastructure problems from product regressions, and routing confirmed bugs to the appropriate teams. Skydio builds autonomous drones and combines expertise in artificial intelligence, hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer focus. The company describes compensation for regular, full-time employees as including base salary, stock options, and benefits. The annual base salary range for this position is $190,000–$250,000. Eligible roles may also receive relocation assistance. Employees are encouraged to obtain FAA Part 107 certification within their first 60 days; certification is required for certain positions.

Requirements

Strong Python skills, including writing clean, well-tested code with sensible abstraction boundaries.
Software engineering experience, including building or owning test or CI infrastructure.
Solid Linux systems skills, including networking, USB/udev, systemd, Docker, and shell.
Hands-on embedded Linux experience, including flashing, bootloaders and recovery modes, serial consoles, and debugging boards that do not boot.
Clear communication skills to support many engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in hardware bring-up and system debugging.
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all employees and required for certain positions.

Responsibilities

Own the architecture and roadmap of the HIL test framework and its integration with CI.
Design and build new test stations and fixtures, and bring new products onto the HIL system.
Partner with firmware, platform, and product teams to turn validation needs into reliable automated tests.
Develop critical use cases that expand hardware validation and development to more teams.
Triage failing runs, distinguish infrastructure problems from product regressions, and route real bugs to the appropriate team.
Maintain the reliability of the HIL system as the number of products and tests grows, and make it easy for other teams to add tests.