Wireless Systems Design Engineer

Skydio • San Mateo, CA

216d • $147,500 - $210,000

About The Position

Skydio is the world leader in autonomous flight, combining best-in-class AI, hardware, and cloud connectivity to make drones indispensable infrastructure across public safety, defense, and enterprise. Delivering this vision at scale requires rethinking wireless from the ground up. We’re looking for a Wireless Systems Design Engineer to join our team and help reimagine how WiFi and cellular links can be customized for autonomous drones operating in challenging, interference heavy, long-range environments. You’ll work hands-on with chipsets, dig into low-level firmware, and write software to extend range, boost reliability, and deliver steady, high-quality video streams in places standard WiFi was never meant to go. If you know wireless protocols, and love bending them, this is your chance to redefine what’s possible in autonomous systems.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of WLAN and/or cellular protocols, including OFDMA, mesh networking, and scheduled network operations.
• Proficient in firmware development with a solid foundation in wireless communication systems.
• Well-versed in C++, C and Python.
• Strong software engineering skills, including design, implementation, and performance tuning of wireless features.
• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex issues spanning multiple layers, including hardware.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including RF, Hardware, and Systems.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in pushing the boundaries of Skydio’s wireless capabilities – delivering longer range, faster connectivity, and secure data transmission.
• Work on a new and innovative communication protocol to facilitate best-in-class mesh drone communication.
• Design and implement innovative solutions to facilitate reliable and efficient drone communication in an OFDMA-based mesh network.
• Design, develop, and optimize wireless software and firmware across WLAN, LTE, and 5G to enhance connectivity, range, and robustness.
• Implement and validate system-level algorithms in software to meet performance KPIs under congested and dynamic network conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Equity in the form of stock options
• Comprehensive benefits packages
• Paid vacation time
• Sick leave
• Holiday pay
• 401K savings plan
• Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible roles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees