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Salary: USD 230,000 - 303,000 / annual
Skydio is the leading US autonomous drone company, serving defense, public safety, and enterprise customers. As Senior Manager of Middleware/Embedded Firmware, you will architect, build, and lead the embedded software team that forms the foundation of Skydio's autonomous flight systems—the brain stem connecting algorithms to sensors and hardware.
You will own technical direction and architecture of complex embedded systems, design and implement firmware running on autonomous vehicles, characterize and integrate key subsystems (cameras, radios, sensors), bring up new hardware platforms, and debug systems at the ARM assembly level. The role bridges firmware development with hardware integration, requiring hands-on technical leadership combined with team management.
Key responsibilities include: providing technical direction for embedded architecture; designing real-time embedded software in C++; writing sensor drivers and device interfaces; performing hardware bring-up and system-level debugging; optimizing code performance; and leading a team of embedded engineers. You'll work across multiple hardware platforms including Qualcomm SOCs and embedded microcontrollers.
Required qualifications: strong C++ and Python development in real-time embedded environments; experience with SOC development (Qualcomm preferred), embedded microcontrollers, and camera drivers; hands-on firmware/embedded code experience on physical devices; embedded Linux userspace and kernel development; low-level firmware knowledge; hardware bring-up and system debugging; ARM assembly-level debugging; embedded security and cryptographic firmware development. FAA Part 107 certification is strongly encouraged within 60 days and required for certain positions.
This is a full-time, in-office role in San Mateo, CA. Compensation includes competitive base salary ($230k–$303k annually), stock options, comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, holiday pay, and 401(k). Relocation assistance may be available.
About Skydio
Defense / GovTech; Industrial — autonomous drones for defense, public safety, and enterprise.
