Hardware Development Specialist
San Mateo, California, United States
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 Hardware Development team supports nearly every engineer in Skydio’s Hardware organization by designing and fabricating custom fixtures, prototypes, and tooling that keep product design, electrical, software, and reliability teams moving fast. Our work spans electrical and mechanical domains—from board rework to full fixture builds—in a shared lab full of 3D printers, electrical equipment, fabrication tools, and prototype products.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on Hardware Development Specialist who loves building, fixing, and improving hardware. You’ll support a wide range of prototyping efforts and thrive on variety, learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
How you'll make an impact:
- Perform board-level rework and debug (down to fine-pitch SMT) to support product bring-up and test fixture development, including identifying root causes of failure and proposing corrective actions
- Build and repair electromechanical assemblies that interface with Skydio drones, docks and test equipment
- Create neat, reliable wire harnesses, cable assemblies and box builds
- Identify, purchase and bring-up new tools and equipment to improve lab efficiency, precision and rework quality
- Fabricate custom parts and fixtures using basic shop tools
What makes you a good fit:
- 4-6+ years of experience building and debugging hardware in a prototype or R&D environment (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- Solid harnessing, soldering and rework skills: comfortable soldering fine-pitch (0201) components under a microscope, crimping connectors, routing hook up wire and reworking BGAs
- Familiarity with basic circuits and schematics: able to trace signals, debug with a multimeter and reason about simple electronics
- Proficiency with fabrication tools such as drill press, belt sander, dremel, and (ideally) laser cutters and 3D Printers
- Curiosity to understand why things fail and comfortable investigating, documenting and communicating findings to improve future designs and processes
- Enthusiastic tendencies toward solving challenges quickly with the parts on-hand
- (Nice to have) Familiarity with a mechanical or electrical CAD tool like Fusion, KiCAD or Cadence Allegro/OrCAD
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 $94,000-$156,000*. 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.
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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/