Senior Electric Motor Propulsion Engineer

San Mateo · USD 170,000-277,500 / year · Full-time · Hybrid · Posted Oct 9, 2026

At a glance

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 https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

We are looking for an engineer with a focus on electric motors and propulsion systems to help model, architect, optimize, and refine the electric propulsion systems that power our drones.

Model, architect, and optimize a propulsion system, from ESCs to motors to propellers
Understand electric motor losses and flux, develop test plans and perform measurements
Perform detailed motor design and optimization to maximize performance, efficiency and size
Explore and design innovative motor technologies
Create simulation models for thermal model development and system engineering
Integrate and optimize with the motor control team and ESCs

Strong mathematical and physical understanding on motor power and loss mechanisms
Excellent knowledge on finite element method
Knowledge on motor thermal modeling
Experience on electric motor loss characterization
Knowledge on motor control theory
Familiarity with construction and manufacturing techniques of outrunner PMSMs in the ~500W size class
End to end understanding of drone propulsion systems, from battery to ESC to motors to propellors