Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Camera Systems

About the Role: Skydio designs and manufactures fully autonomous drones that use state-of-the-art hardware paired with advanced computer vision and machine learning to ensure our users always have access to the visual information they need. As a key member of our end-to-end imaging team, you will leverage deep expertise in ISP pipelines and Linux-based SoCs to architect and develop cutting-edge camera subsystems for both current and next-generation products. About the Team: We design camera systems that support autonomous navigation, professional media capture, and industrial inspection and situational awareness. From early-stage user needs analysis to mass production, we manage the entire lifecycle: requirements definition, hardware bring-up, tuning, and validation. We work closely with the broader software organization to lay a strong foundation for the rest of the stack. How You’ll Make an Impact: Lead development and integration of camera subsystems Design and bring up ISP and camera hardware Configure and optimize ISP and encoder pipelines Collaborate with image quality, calibration, and test teams to deliver production-ready camera software Develop next-generation image processing algorithms for autonomous flight applications Bring up and debug new hardware platforms and prototypes What Makes You a Good Fit: Proven experience with ISP development on ARM-based Linux/Android SoCs, especially Qualcomm platforms Deep understanding of ISP pipeline architecture, including front-end, Bayer processing, and post-processing Strong background in algorithm development across CPU, DSP, GPU, and ISP pipelines Hands-on experience with real-time 3A algorithms Familiarity with Android Camera HAL3, Linux V4L2, AVC, and HEVC standards Experience with GStreamer and GPU shader-based implementations for image processing (Debayering, lens shading, etc.) Strong embedded development experience, including firmware for physical hardware Proficiency in modern C++ in real-time, embedded environments Python scripting and development skills Skilled in hardware bring-up, low-level debugging, and performance optimization Commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and well-abstracted code 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. The annual base salary range for this position is $170,000 - $277,500*. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The position is based in San Mateo, CA.