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Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Skydio · San Mateo, California

Location
San Mateo, California, United States
Workplace
Hybrid
Employment
Full time
Level
Senior
Posted
3 months ago

About this role

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 is seeking a highly motivated Automation / Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support automated manufacturing systems for our drone production lines. This role will focus on integrating and optimizing control systems, robotics, and SCADA platforms to improve throughput, quality, and reliability.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

  • Design, develop, and maintain control systems for automated manufacturing equipment

  • Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition)

  • Integrate and support industrial robotics used in:

    • Precision dispensing (adhesives, coatings, etc.)

    • Fastening (torque-controlled assembly systems)

    • Soldering (selective or robotic soldering systems)

  • Develop and maintain system architectures, electrical schematics, and documentation

  • Diagnose and resolve controls and automation issues on the production floor

  • Collaborate with manufacturing, process, and quality engineering teams to optimize system performance

  • Implement data collection and monitoring solutions to improve visibility and decision-making

  • Ensure systems meet safety standards and comply with relevant regulations

  • What Makes You a Good Fit:

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field

    • 4-5+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering

    • Hands-on experience with SCADA systems (Ignition strongly preferred)

    • Ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems in a production environment

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with robotic systems for:

      • Dispensing applications

      • Automated fastening systems

      • Robotic or selective soldering

    • Familiarity with machine vision systems

    • Experience in high-volume or high-mix manufacturing environments

    • Knowledge of MES integration and data systems

    • Experience with motion control systems and servo drives

    • Strong programming skills (Python, structured text, or similar)

    • 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 $147 - $240k*. 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-BJ1

      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/

      As published by Skydio. Applications are handled on their site.

      Skills this posting mentions

      Operational ExcellenceEquityArtificial Intelligence

      About Skydio

      Skydio is the leading U.S.-based drone manufacturer and the world leader in autonomous flight technology. We leverage breakthrough artificial intelligence to create flying robots that are easier to operate, safer to fly, and more capable in complex environments. Our systems are trusted by more than 3,800 agencies and organizations across the U.S. military, public safety, and critical infrastructure sectors. Skydio Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs now operate in 42 states, and more than 16M Americans live within the response zone of a DFR Dock. In total, Skydio supports more than 1,200 public safety agencies - double the number from a year ago. More than 250 utilities rely on Skydio for inspection programs that improve reliability and worker safety. In national security, they are supporting mission-critical operations both on the battlefield and across military installations, keeping our nation and our allies secure. Founded in 2014, Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S., with headquarters in San Mateo, CA, and manufacturing facilities in Hayward, CA. We are the largest drone manufacturer in the U.S. and have shipped more than 60,000 flying robots. The company is backed by top investors and strategic partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, Linse Capital, N47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.

      All 114 openings at Skydio

      One click, then it is written

      Apply to Skydio with a resume written for this role.

      Queue Senior Automation Controls Engineer and I read the posting, rewrite your resume against it, draft the cover letter, and score the fit. Then you press send, or press one button and I fill in Skydio’s form for you.

      1. 01Drop your resume

        A PDF or a LinkedIn URL. About a minute, once.

      2. 02I rank the openings

        Every weekday morning, the live catalog scored against your history. Up to 20 worth your time, not two hundred links.

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      • 25 sent a week, free
      • No card
      • Nothing sent until you say so

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      Paste your career in once. Every application after that is written for you.

      Drop a resume or a LinkedIn URL. I rank the live openings against it, rewrite the resume and write a cover letter for the best of them, and fill in the employer's form when you press the button. You read, you decide what goes out.

      1. 01Drop your resume

        A PDF or a LinkedIn URL. About a minute, once.

      2. 02I rank the openings

        Every weekday morning, the live catalog scored against your history. Up to 20 worth your time, not two hundred links.

      3. 03Each one is written up

        Resume rewritten for the posting, a cover letter, a fit score. Press send, or let me fill in the form.

      • New matches ranked and written before you are up.
      • Every bullet stays inside what your history supports. Nothing invented.
      • Queued, submitted, interviewing, offer: one screen, not a spreadsheet.

      500 free credits on sign-up. No card. Nothing is sent until you say so.

      Listed from the job board Skydio publishes. Refolk is not the employer and does not handle their hiring. Applications go to Skydio directly.