Product Design Engineer - Camera

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 .

Skydio’s cameras are critical to autonomous navigation, situational awareness, and capturing high-quality imagery in demanding environments. As a Product Design Engineer, you will help design, prototype, test, and refine the mechanical systems that enable our camera modules to perform reliably. You will work hands-on with camera components and assemblies, collaborating closely with mechanical, optical, electrical, reliability, manufacturing, and supplier engineering teams. This is an individual-contributor role suited to an engineer who enjoys detailed mechanical design, rapid prototyping, laboratory work, and methodical problem-solving. How you’ll make an impact Create 3D CAD models and production-ready 2D drawings for camera parts, assemblies, test equipment, and related mechanical systems. Support the mechanical design and integration of camera modules, lenses, image sensors, actuators, thermal solutions, electronics, flex circuits, seals, and structural components. Design and build prototypes to evaluate new concepts, integration approaches, and mechanical architectures. Design test jigs, fixtures, and measurement setups for camera development, characterization, assembly, and validation. Perform tolerance analyses to evaluate fit, alignment, optical positioning, assembly variation, and mechanical performance. Prototype components and assemblies using methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands-on assembly. Support finite element analysis, including the preparation of models, definition of boundary conditions, correlation with physical testing, and interpretation of results. Plan and conduct laboratory testing, analyze results, and communicate findings through clear engineering reports. Characterize camera components and assemblies, including dimensions, torque, force, stiffness, thermal performance, and resistance to heat, water, and other environmental conditions. Investigate mechanical and electromechanical failures, identify root causes, and help develop and validate corrective actions. Support reliability and optical testing, including test setup development, sample preparation, execution, data collection, and failure analysis. Work with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external vendors to support component fabrication, inspection, assembly, and design improvements. Contribute throughout the product-development cycle, from early concepts and prototypes through design validation, pre-production, and mass-production support. What Makes You a Good Fit: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. Experience applying mechanical-engineering fundamentals and analytical problem-solving to the development of physical products or electromechanical systems. Proficiency in 3D CAD and the ability to create clear, well-constructed mechanical part and assembly drawings. Experience with CATIA is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance analysis, materials, and common manufacturing processes. Experience with rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands-on mechanical assembly. Familiarity with designing parts for processes such as injection molding, CNC machining, metal forming, or casting. Practical laboratory skills and confidence using mechanical measurement and test equipment. Ability to document test methods, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly. A detail-oriented and methodical