RemoteWLBRemote only
Back to all jobs
Skydio logo
Remote role · electric

Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer

Skydio

SalaryUSD 170,000–277,500 / year
Before you apply

Role details

The practical picture
Base compensation

USD 170,000–277,500 / year

Employment
Full-time
Eligible locations
United States

Work & location

Office locations
San Mateo, California, United States, San Mateo, California, US

Experience & eligibility

Skills
  • Electric Motor Propulsion
  • Finite Element Method (FEM)
  • Motor Thermal Modeling
  • Motor Control Theory
  • Motor Loss Characterization
  • PMSM Design
  • Drone Propulsion Systems
  • System Engineering
Work authorization
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Compensation & benefits

Benefits
Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan.
Equity
equity in the form of stock options

Inside the role

Qualifications
Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms Excellent knowledge on finite element method Knowledge on motor thermal modeling Experience on electric motor loss characterization Knowledge on motor control theory
Role signal brief

The role, at a glance

Extracted from the source posting · 95% confidence

Skydio is hiring a Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer to model, architect, and optimize electric propulsion systems for its autonomous drones. The role requires expertise in finite element methods, motor thermal modeling, and motor control theory. Candidates will work on detailed motor design, test plan development, and integration with electric speed controllers.

Compensation
USD 170,000–277,500 / year

What you need

  • Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms
  • Excellent knowledge on finite element method
  • Knowledge on motor thermal modeling
  • Experience on electric motor loss characterization
  • Knowledge on motor control theory

What you will own

  • Model, architect, and optimize a propulsion system, from ESCs to motors to propellers
  • Understand electric motor losses and flux, develop test plans and perform measurements
  • Perform detailed motor design and optimization to optimize performance, efficiency and size
  • Explore and design innovative motor technologies
  • Create simulation model for thermal model development and system engineering
  • Integrate and optimize with motor control team and ESCs
Core skills
Electric Motor PropulsionFinite Element Method (FEM)Motor Thermal ModelingMotor Control TheoryMotor Loss CharacterizationPMSM DesignDrone Propulsion SystemsSystem Engineering
Internal freshness window ends Oct 22, 2026
View source evidence
  • salary “The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000- $277,500*”
  • location “Job location: San Mateo, California, United States”
  • remote_scope “Job location: San Mateo, California, United States”
  • must_have “Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms”
  • applicant_location_requirements “Job location: San Mateo, California, United States”
  • workplace_type “Job location: San Mateo, California, United States”
  • employment_types “regular, full-time employees”
  • job_locations “Job location: San Mateo, California, United States”
  • skills “Excellent knowledge on finite element method”
  • skills “Experience on electric motor loss characterization”
  • skills “Knowledge on motor thermal modeling”
  • skills “Knowledge on motor control theory”
  • work_authorization “Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.”
  • equity “equity in the form of stock options”
  • benefits “Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan.”
electric motor propulsionfinite element method (fem)motor thermal modelingmotor control theory
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 Skydio:

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:
We are looking for an engineer with a focus on electric motors and propulsion systems to help model, architect, optimize, and refine the electric propulsion systems that power our drones.

How you'll make an impact:

  • Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms

  • Excellent knowledge on finite element method

  • Knowledge on motor thermal modeling

  • Experience on electric motor loss characterization

  • Knowledge on motor control theory

What makes you a good fit:

  • Being able to model, architect, and optimize a propulsion system, from ESCs to motors to propellers

  • Understanding electric motor losses and flux, develop test plans and perform measurements

  • Detailed motor design and optimization to optimize performance, efficiency and size

  • Explore and design innovative motor technologies

  • Create simulation model for thermal model development and system engineering

  • Integrate and optimize with motor control team and ESCs

  • Familiarity with construction and manufacturing techniques of outrunner PMSMs in the ~500W size class

  • End to end understanding of drone propulsion systems, from battery to ESC to motors to propellors

  • Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.

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 $170,000- $277,500*. 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.

#LI-JC2

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/