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Remote role · autonomy

Autonomy Engineer - Planning and Controls

Skydio

Before you apply

Role details

The practical picture
Employment
Full-time

Inside the role

Qualifications
Experience writing software that controls real hardware (e.g., robotics, self-driving cars) High proficiency in C++ Modern and classical control design methods Solid software engineering foundation
Role signal brief

The role, at a glance

Extracted from the source posting · 95% confidence

Skydio is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to develop core motion planning software for autonomous drones. The role involves designing and implementing low-level controllers and high-level task-specific frameworks in C++. Candidates must have experience writing software that controls real hardware.

What you need

  • Experience writing software that controls real hardware (e.g., robotics, self-driving cars)
  • High proficiency in C++
  • Modern and classical control design methods
  • Solid software engineering foundation

What you will own

  • Conceive, design, implement, simulate, evaluate, and fly new motion planning strategies
  • Define data and interfaces for successful motion planning across the software system
  • Develop, tune, and evaluate low-level controllers
  • Work with UX team to define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms
Core skills
C++Motion PlanningControl SystemsRoboticsSoftware EngineeringNon-linear OptimizationDynamic Programming
Internal freshness window ends Oct 22, 2026
View source evidence
  • must_have “Experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping / manipulation of a robotic arm, self-driving cars, any kind of mobile robot”
  • must_have “High proficiency in C++”
  • must_have “Modern and classical control design methods”
  • must_have “Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well architected code”
  • nice_to_have “Configuration and free space representations”
  • nice_to_have “Dynamic programming”
  • nice_to_have “Non-linear optimization”
c++motion planningcontrol systemsrobotics
Role brief

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 planning algorithms running onboard the vehicle define its behavior, giving our drones their character. You will contribute to the development and implementation of the core motion planning software, touching everything from the low-level stabilization and control, to high level, task specific frameworks.

How you'll make an impact:

  • Conceive, design, implement, simulate, evaluate, and fly new motion planning strategies

  • Work across the software system to define the right data and interfaces for successful motion planning

  • Develop, tune, and evaluate low level controllers

  • Work with the UX team to explore and define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms

What makes you a good fit:

  • Experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping / manipulation of a robotic arm, self-driving cars, any kind of mobile robot

  • Configuration and free space representations

  • Modern and classical control design methods

  • Dynamic programming

  • Non-linear optimization

  • Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well architected code

  • High proficiency in C++

#LI-PG1

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/