Flight Test Engineer - National Security

About the Role

Skydio is seeking a mission-driven Flight Test Engineer to validate and advance our next-generation aircraft for National Security partners, including defense and government customers. You’ll ensure operational reliability and mission readiness across our portfolio, working closely with engineering, operations, and program teams. This role involves designing and executing test campaigns under urgent timelines and high-consequence missions. The position is based onsite in San Mateo, with occasional travel to field test sites.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns to validate mission readiness and performance.


• Create and run smoke and regression tests to validate system performance


• Track and report system performance across hardware and software builds.


• Identify system limitations early and drive reliability improvements.


• Validate software changes for stable, repeatable performance.


• Collect and analyze flight data in contested and GPS/RF-degraded environments.


• Generate logged flight data and media to characterize system readiness.


• Design and execute test procedures for:




• Navigation/autonomy in degraded environments


• Secure telemetry and C2 link integrity


• Flight control and propulsion reliability


• Emergency and failsafe modes


• 3rd-party attachments and control integrations


• Features for critical mission execution


• Partner with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and success criteria.


• Ensure safe, secure test configurations of aircraft and ground systems.


• Contribute to test readiness reviews, safety assessments, and mission debriefs.


• Support compliance, certification, and documentation for government programs.

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Strong background in software/hardware QA and testing


• Hands-on debugging of complex systems (hardware, software, networking, integration)


• UAS operations experience, preferably defense/government


• Knowledge of UAS subsystems (flight control, navigation, comms, payloads)


• Familiarity with RF environments, secure comms, and autonomy in degraded conditions


• Basic mechanical/electrical integration skills


• Experience with Linux-based systems


• Passion for aviation, autonomy, and mission-driven work


• Strong communication and documentation skillsAbility to travel up to 20% to various testing sites, customer sites, and remote Skydio offices

• FAA Part 107 Certification


• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

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 $110,000- $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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