Mechanical Engineer Jobs at Skydio with Visa Sponsorship
Skydio hires Mechanical Engineers to build and refine autonomous drone hardware across structures, propulsion, and embedded systems. The company has a consistent track record of supporting international candidates through the full sponsorship process, making it a realistic target if you're on a work visa.
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INTRODUCTION
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 controls algorithms running onboard our autonomous drones define its behavior creating stable/smooth flight and gimbal motion. This enables our pilots to easily execute their objectives from inspection & mapping to missions and security use cases. 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, with a particular focus on the low-level controls.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Develop, tune, and evaluate low level controllers and trajectory optimization
- Work across the software system to define the right data and interfaces for successful control
- Work with the UX team to explore and define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms
WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT
- Industry or Research experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping manipulation of a robotic arm, self-driving cars, aerial robots, or any kind of mobile robot
- Modern and classical control design methods
- High proficiency in C++
- Dynamic programming
- Non-linear optimization
- Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well-architected code
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 $160,000 - $250,000. 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.
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/

INTRODUCTION
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 controls algorithms running onboard our autonomous drones define its behavior creating stable/smooth flight and gimbal motion. This enables our pilots to easily execute their objectives from inspection & mapping to missions and security use cases. 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, with a particular focus on the low-level controls.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Develop, tune, and evaluate low level controllers and trajectory optimization
- Work across the software system to define the right data and interfaces for successful control
- Work with the UX team to explore and define planning/UI boundaries for new interaction paradigms
WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT
- Industry or Research experience writing software that controls real hardware, e.g. grasping manipulation of a robotic arm, self-driving cars, aerial robots, or any kind of mobile robot
- Modern and classical control design methods
- High proficiency in C++
- Dynamic programming
- Non-linear optimization
- Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well-architected code
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 $160,000 - $250,000. 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.
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/
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Mechanical Engineer Jobs at Skydio Jobs
Align your portfolio to drone hardware
Skydio's Mechanical Engineer roles center on lightweight structures, thermal management, and precision assembly for autonomous aerial systems. Frame your portfolio around tolerances, materials selection, and DFM for small-scale electromechanical products before you apply.
Target Skydio roles on Migrate Mate
Search Skydio's open Mechanical Engineer positions on Migrate Mate to filter by visa type and see which roles actively support sponsorship, saving time you'd otherwise spend guessing from a standard job board.
Prepare ITAR compliance documentation early
Skydio operates in Aerospace and Defense, meaning many roles fall under ITAR. Gather export control records and confirm your work authorization status in writing before offer stage, since ITAR review can add weeks to an onboarding timeline.
Use DOL prevailing wage data in negotiations
For H-1B and PERM-based roles, your offered salary must meet DOL prevailing wage levels for the relevant SOC code and location. Pulling the current wage determinations from the DOL Foreign Labor Certification Data Center strengthens your negotiating position and confirms the employer's LCA is realistic.
Mechanical Engineer at Skydio jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Mechanical Engineer at Skydio JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Skydio sponsor H-1B visas for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Skydio sponsors H-1B visas for Mechanical Engineer roles. The company has an established pattern of supporting international hires across hardware and systems engineering functions. If you're currently on OPT or another nonimmigrant status, it's worth confirming with the recruiter at offer stage whether your specific role is cap-subject or falls under a cap-exempt entity, which affects filing timelines.
How do I apply for Mechanical Engineer jobs at Skydio?
You can browse and apply for Mechanical Engineer positions at Skydio directly through Migrate Mate, which filters roles by visa sponsorship type so you can confirm eligibility before applying. Skydio's roles typically require a portfolio or sample work demonstrating hardware design, so prepare CAD files, tolerancing documentation, or relevant project summaries alongside your resume before submitting.
Which visa types does Skydio commonly use for Mechanical Engineers?
Skydio sponsors a range of visa categories for Mechanical Engineers, including H-1B, F-1 OPT and CPT, TN for Canadian and Mexican nationals, J-1, and employment-based Green Card pathways such as EB-2 and EB-3. The right category depends on your nationality, education level, and how long you've been in the U.S., so review your current status against each option before your recruiter conversation.
What qualifications does Skydio look for in Mechanical Engineer candidates?
Skydio's Mechanical Engineer roles typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, which also satisfies the specialty occupation threshold for H-1B sponsorship. Beyond credentials, the company prioritizes hands-on experience with electromechanical systems, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturing, particularly in consumer electronics, robotics, or aerospace hardware where mass and thermal constraints are tight.
How do I plan my timeline if I need Skydio to sponsor my visa?
The biggest timing variable is whether you need an H-1B. USCIS opens H-1B registration each March for an October 1 start date, so if you're on OPT and your grace period doesn't bridge that gap, you'll need to plan accordingly. For TN or continued OPT extensions, timelines are shorter, but ITAR clearance processes at defense-adjacent employers like Skydio can still add four to six weeks before your official start date.
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