Senior Product Design Engineer - Aero Specialist

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:
Skydio’s mechanical systems are the backbone of reliable autonomous flight. An intelligent flying machine depends on world-class engineering and an eye for detail while optimizing for simplicity; you will help architect, develop, and refine the aerodynamic design, solutions, and performance that deliver high performance autonomous flight to keep our fleets flying and our customers confident.

How you'll make an impact:

• Play a key role in the design of Skydio aircraft by performing aerodynamic analysis and simulation and designing/executing experiments, and doing concept and detailed design of systems and components with key aerodynamic considerations.

• Build and analyze aerodynamic models to determine flight envelopes and predict vehicle dynamics

• Design/run experiments, review flight test logs, and examine data to validate simulations and refine the aerodynamic models and performance of our aircrafts

• Collaborate closely with cross functional teams (structures, controls, hardware engineering) to guide design and integration decisions

• Partner with the Flight Test Team in the development of test plans and post-flight data analysis

• Collaborate with thermal engineers to design and refine integrated thermal solutions for vehicle systems

• Execute low/mid/high-fidelity CFD analyses to assess aerodynamic and mechanical design characteristics and predict aircraft performance and stability.

• Have ownership over the aerodynamic design of our aircrafts and key accessories from the ground-up.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical and propulsion engineers to shape and integrate optimizations into new and existing architecture.

What makes you a good fit:

• 5+ years of prior product development experience with a proven track record of execution, enthusiasm, and collaboration.

• Experience using reduced order aircraft performance and control modeling such as vortex lattice or lifting line methods (e.g. AVL, VSPAERO) to quickly iterate on conceptual designs.

• Experience performing end-to-end CFD analyses using Navier–Stokes–based solvers (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, Cart3D, Chimera, FUN3D, or OVERFLOW), including mesh generation, solver setup, and post-processing with visualization tools.

• Skilled in data visualization and analysis of CFD, wind tunnel, and/or flight test data using Python, Tecplot, ParaView, or similar tools to effectively communicate aerodynamic performance and key design insights.

• Proficiency with aerodynamic modeling tools, such as panel methods, vortex lattice, lifting line, or particle-based approaches, for aerodynamic analysis and conceptual design.

• Hands-on experience with wind tunnel testing, including model design, test planning and execution, instrumentation setup, data acquisition, reduction, and analysis of discrepancies.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering or equivalent with demonstrated academic excellence.

• Ability to apply analytical problem solving skills and engineering fundamentals to create high-quality designs for a sophisticated vehicle system.

• A strategic mind across the full design, source, build, validate, and ship process. Proven ability to make considered decisions at various stages. 

• 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 $140,000- $225,000*. 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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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/