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:
We are seeking a talented multi-disciplinary quality engineer to define, implement, and continuously improve quality processes. In this role, your contributions will directly drive product quality, speed to market, productivity, and profitability.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Failure Analysis Engineer to investigate, diagnose, and resolve failures in drone systems and subsystems. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components, including PCBs, power electronics, batteries, cameras, sensors, communication modules, motors, ESCs, GPS, IMUs, and embedded systems.
The role involves performing systematic root cause analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and improving product reliability throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Failure Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Perform detailed failure analysis on returned products, manufacturing defects, field failures, and reliability test failures.
Investigate failures related to:
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB/PCBA)
Power distribution systems
Battery Management Systems (BMS)
Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC)
Brushless DC motors
Cameras and imaging systems
Vision modules
GPS modules
IMU (Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer)
Barometers and other environmental sensors
RF communication modules
Flight controllers
Wiring harnesses and connectors
Electromechanical assemblies
Conduct systematic root cause analysis using methodologies such as:
8D
5 Why
Fishbone Diagram
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Pareto Analysis
Diagnostic & Test Activities
Develop and execute diagnostic procedures for failed products.
Perform electrical measurements using:
Oscilloscope
Digital Multimeter
Logic Analyzer
Spectrum Analyzer (preferred)
Power Analyzer
Thermal Camera
Interpret circuit schematics, PCB layouts, and wiring diagrams.
Conduct functional, environmental, and stress testing to reproduce failures.
Reliability & Corrective Actions
Identify failure trends using field and production data.
Recommend design improvements to enhance product reliability.
Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with Design, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Production teams.
Verify effectiveness of implemented corrective actions.
Component & Assembly Analysis
Analyze component-level failures including:
ICs
MOSFETs
Voltage regulators
Capacitors
Inductors
Sensors
Connectors
Cameras
RF modules
Evaluate solder joint quality, PCB defects, ESD damage, overheating, corrosion, vibration damage, and mechanical failures.
Documentation & Reporting
Prepare comprehensive failure analysis reports with:
Root cause
Evidence
Corrective actions
Preventive actions
Risk assessment
Maintain failure databases and reliability metrics.
Present findings to engineering and management teams.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Work closely with:
Design Engineering
Hardware Engineering
Embedded Software Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Supplier Quality
Reliability Engineering
Production
Customer Support
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in:
Electronics Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics
Instrumentation Engineering
Embedded Systems
Aerospace Engineering (Electronics specialization preferred)
Experience
3–8 years of experience in failure analysis, reliability engineering, hardware validation, or product quality.
Experience in UAV, drone, robotics, automotive electronics, aerospace, consumer electronics, or industrial electronics is highly preferred.
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 $147,000 - $170,000*. 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.
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/