Founding Engineer - Autonomy & Aeronautics

About Skycart

Skycart is pioneering the next generation of autonomous aerial delivery systems. We hold patents on our multi-drop drone technology and are currently developing the Skycart Nimbus, the only patented four-drop VTOL delivery drone in the world. We are now entering a new phase: combining hard-won flight experience with modern autonomy, software, and production engineering to deliver a scalable system. We are a small, fast-moving team where every person has real impact.

This role is in-person at our Livermore, CA facility - we have a strong preference for candidates local or within commuting distance. Hybrid is a possibility depending on the phase of the project.

Our Traction

Skycart has been building and proving this technology for nearly a decade. Here is a snapshot of what we have accomplished:

• Designed the world's first patented four-drop delivery drone, the Nimbus, reducing drone traffic by 75% versus single-parcel UAVs.
• Signed a government contract with the Kisumu County Government in Kenya to deliver blood, vaccines, and medical supplies to remote health facilities, signed personally by Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o.
• Invited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to participate in the 2024 Green Transformation (GX) Project, recognizing Skycart as a global innovator in sustainable urban logistics.
• Participated in the Healthcare Smart Logistics Challenge at Dubai Expo 2020 among the world's leading logistics innovators.
• Partnered with DoorDash for food delivery trials and with Fetchr for drone delivery operations in Dubai, UAE.
• Collaborated with Swiss Post on drone delivery testing.
• Selected as a finalist in the UAE Drones for Good competition.
• Featured in FreightWaves, sUAS News, and international aerospace and logistics media as one of the drone delivery startups to watch, alongside coverage of the Nimbus four-drop announcement.

The Nimbus is not a concept. It is being built right now, and we want you to help contribute to its success as your own success.

About the Role

We are looking for an exceptionally well-rounded engineer to take ownership across three closely connected domains: the aeronautical design and performance of the Nimbus, the physical build and mechatronic systems that make it work, and the autonomy software that makes it reliable and easy to use. You will be the person who understands the vehicle inside and out, from aerodynamic trade-offs and composite fabrication through Ardupilot integration and ROS2 mission software, all the way down to the delivery pod mechanism and the electronic harnesses that connect it all.

As a Founding Engineer you will not be handed a playbook. You will help write it. You will work directly with the founders, lead junior engineers and interns, and have direct influence over how both the vehicle and the company evolve.

What You'll Do

1. Aeronautical Engineering

• Develop and maintain aerodynamic and flight dynamics models of the Nimbus and future vehicles to inform design decisions and flight test planning.
• Run CFD simulations using tools such as SolidWorks Flow Simulation, OpenFOAM, or ANSYS to characterize airframe performance across the flight envelope.
• Perform structural analysis and FEA on critical airframe components and structures to validate designs prior to fabrication.
• Drive aeromechanical design decisions for the canard quadplane and other aircraft: wing sizing, control surface layout, and stability margins.
• Translate simulation and test data into concrete design improvements across the airframe and propulsion system.
• Support flight envelope expansion: define test points, analyze data, and feed results back into updated models.

2. Build, Integration & Mechatronics

• Own the end-to-end build and integration of airframe, from composite fabrication and structural assembly through avionics installation and full systems checkout.
• Design, prototype, and iterate electromechanical systems: the multi-drop delivery pod mechanism, servo and actuator assemblies, landing gear, and structural mountings.
• Lead avionics harness and connector design for power distribution and signal routing between the flight controller, ESCs, companion computer, and peripheral sensors.
• Select and integrate motors, ESCs, and propulsion hardware. Validate performance on the bench before flight.
• Lead ArduPilot-based UAV bringup: bench-test procedures, sensor suite verification, system calibration, and flight-readiness sign-off.
• Plan, execute, and debrief flight test campaigns. Define test cards, operate ground control stations, and drive data-driven design iterations after each flight.
• Design and fabricate jigs, fixtures, and tooling to support repeatable assembly and test processes.
• Maintain CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials to a professional standard throughout the design cycle.
• Mentor interns and junior engineers on build and test practices. Review their work and raise team capability.

3. Autonomy & Robotics Software

• Develop and maintain ROS2 nodes and packages across the Skycart autonomy stack: mission sequencing, state management, and delivery logic.
• Own the ArduPilot integration layer via AP_DDS: configure flight modes, validate telemetry interfaces, and ensure robust autopilot-companion computer communication.
• Build and maintain Gazebo simulation environments for software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing of autonomy behaviors.
• Implement and iterate on end-to-end autonomous mission pipelines: takeoff, multi-stop navigation, multi-drop payload release, contingency handling, and return to base.
• Analyze flight logs and simulation data to identify and resolve issues in autonomy behavior.
• Work closely with the build team to define and validate hardware-software interfaces for actuation, pod release, and sensor integration.

What You Bring

• 5 or more years of hands-on experience building, integrating, and flying UAV or aerospace systems, ideally fixed-wing, VTOL, or quadplane platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise with ArduPilot or PX4, from initial configuration through flight envelope expansion.
• Hands-on experience with ROS2: writing nodes, working with topics, services, and actions across a multi-package workspace.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for robotics and autonomy software development.
• Working knowledge of aerodynamic modeling, flight dynamics, or CFD tools applied to real aircraft design decisions.
• Strong background in composite or structural fabrication: airframe assembly, bonding, and layup.
• Experience in mechatronic system design: actuators, servo mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, and hardware-software interfaces.
• Proficient with avionics wiring, harness design, power distribution, and drone electronics integration.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360. You keep your models and drawings current.
• Comfortable owning work end to end with minimal direction in a startup environment.
• Ability to lead a team of engineers and motivate them to reach milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication. You document your work and make your reasoning clear.

Bonus Points

• Big plus: Carbon fiber bagging, vacuum infusion, or advanced composite fabrication.
• Big plus: Experience with AP_DDS, micro-ROS, or XRCE-DDS integration with ArduPilot.
• Familiarity with behavior trees such as BehaviorTree.CPP for mission management.
• Experience with Gazebo SITL or hardware-in-the-loop testing workflows.
• Part 107 remote pilot certificate or higher.
• Background in GNC for fixed-wing or VTOL platforms.
• Familiarity with ROS2 navigation stack, tf2, or nav2.
• Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation.
• Familiarity with ESP32, STM32, NVIDIA Jetson or similar microcontrollers for peripheral device integration.
• Experience in a founding, lead, or staff engineering role at an early-stage hardware company.

Strong candidates who do not match every bullet are still encouraged to apply. Real depth across at least two of the three domains plus the drive to grow into the rest is a solid foundation.

What You'll Gain

• Founding-team equity with meaningful upside as the company scales.
• A seat at the table. Your decisions shape the product roadmap and the company trajectory.
• The rare opportunity to own aeronautics, autonomy, and mechatronics simultaneously on a proven, patented platform with real government contracts behind it.
• A mission worth working on: improving healthcare access and transforming last-mile logistics globally.

How to Apply

We keep the process simple and straightforward with no lengthy portals or runaround.

• Step 1: Send your resume or a brief project portfolio, a short note (2 to 3 sentences) on what draws you to this role and to Skycart, and any demos, links, or documentation that shows your work, to:

• ***email_hidden***
• [email protected] (please CC)

• Step 2: If it looks like a strong fit, we will reach out within two weeks to schedule an introductory call to discuss your experiences and interests.

• Step 3: You may optionally meet the rest of the engineering team for general and technical discussions.

Candidates must have or gain authorization to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship.

This is primarily an equity-based role. We are transparent about that. We are looking for someone who has the means and the conviction to build something that is already real and help take it to the world.

Equal Opportunity

Skycart is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We actively value diversity and welcome traditionally underrepresented applicants from tech and aerospace. If this role excites you but you are not sure you tick every box, apply anyway.