Senior Automation Controls Engineer

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. You will own the end to end automation strategy for key production cells, ensuring that control logic and hardware work seamlessly to meet demanding manufacturing targets. The position requires a hands on engineer who can translate operational requirements into robust control solutions while maintaining a sharp focus on system uptime and process consistency. You will be responsible for validating that automated equipment meets functional and safety requirements before scaling to high volume production. In this capacity, you will act as the primary technical lead for automation issues on the floor and interface closely with cross functional stakeholders. Your work will directly influence the manufacturability and quality of Skydio drones, supporting the company mission to make autonomous flight practical across diverse industries and mission profiles.

Key facts

Location: USA

Engagement: Full-time

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 $145,000 - $219,000k*. 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.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, and maintain control systems for automated manufacturing equipment used in drone production.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, with an emphasis on Ignition platforms to ensure reliable data flow and control.
• Integrate and support industrial robotics deployed in precision dispensing applications, including adhesives and coatings critical to airframe assembly.
• Integrate and support industrial robotics used in fastening operations, applying torque-controlled assembly systems to ensure consistent and traceable hardware seating.
• Integrate and support industrial robotics utilized in soldering processes, including selective and robotic soldering systems for electronics interconnects.
• Develop and maintain detailed system architectures, electrical schematics, and documentation to support long term maintainability and knowledge transfer.
• Diagnose and resolve controls and automation issues on the production floor using systematic troubleshooting methodologies and test equipment.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, process, and quality engineering teams to optimize system performance, reduce downtime, and improve first time yield.
• Implement data collection and monitoring solutions that provide visibility into production metrics, enabling data driven decision making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all automated systems meet safety standards and comply with relevant regulations, including internal quality systems and external industry requirements.
• Support the execution of installation, qualification, and validation activities for new automation equipment in a high mix manufacturing setting.
• Apply root cause analysis techniques to drive corrective and preventive actions, minimizing recurring issues on critical production lines.
• Maintain strong version control and configuration management practices for control logic and HMI screens to support change management.
• Contribute to the development of automation standards and best practices across the manufacturing organization.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Possess 4 to 5 or more years of professional experience in industrial automation or controls engineering roles in a manufacturing context.
• Demonstrate hands on experience with SCADA systems, where Ignition platform knowledge is a significant professional advantage.
• Show proven ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems in fast paced production environments with minimal downtime.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications when diagnosing system faults.
• Display effective communication skills to interface with cross functional teams and explain technical concepts to non technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and quality, adhering to company policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for this position at the stated location.

Nice to have

• Apply previous experience with robotic systems for dispensing applications where precision and repeatability are critical.
• Draw on background in automated fastening systems that use torque control and feedback to ensure proper assembly of structural components.
• Bring knowledge of robotic or selective soldering systems used in electronics manufacturing and the challenges of thermal management.
• Familiarity with machine vision systems used for inspection, alignment, or process monitoring in a manufacturing context.
• Have a track record in high volume or high mix manufacturing environments where changeovers and flexibility are essential.
• Understand MES integration and how manufacturing data systems connect with shop floor control platforms.
• Experience with motion control systems, including servo drives and coordinated motion programming.
• Write and interpret strong programming skills in Python, structured text, ladder logic, or other industrial languages relevant to automation.
• Actively pursue FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days, recognizing that this credential is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain roles.

Practical notes

This role is based in San Mateo, California, and operates during standard full time hours. Travel is not expected as part of the core responsibilities for this position. Employment eligibility verification through E Verify will be conducted for all candidates selected for hire. Candidates must be able to obtain the necessary work authorization to employment in the United States without sponsorship. The requirement to obtain FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days is strongly encouraged and required for certain positions.