Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Video Streaming (WebRTC / LiveKit)

Senior Software EngineerSkydio 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're looking for a Senior Software Engineer specializing in WebRTC and cloud live video streaming to own the real-time media and data stack powering Skydio Remote Flight Deck (RFD), ReadyLink, and our Commands. Remote pilots and mission commanders rely on our browser and mobile clients to fly drones and view live feeds from anywhere — where every millisecond of latency and dropped frame matters.How you'll make an impact:Own and optimize the cloud-to-browser streaming pipeline end-to-end — from cloud media publisher nodes (Go/C++) through LiveKit SFU to browser playback and data channels (TypeScript)Bypass Chrome's built-in WebRTC decode pipeline using Encoded Transform / Insertable Streams and WebCodecs (VideoDecoder/VideoFrame) synchronizing video frames with 3D telemetry poses via in-band SEI / packet-trailer metadataArchitect and tune WebRTC media and data paths: RTP/RTCP packetization, congestion control (TWCC/GCC), NACK/RTX retransmission, PLI/keyframe recovery, and SCTP data-channel QoS for telemetry and pilot controlsOperate and harden LiveKit SFU deployments and SDKs (server-sdk-go, livekit-client, Pion) across cloud and on-prem/FedRAMP environments, including ICE/STUN/TURN and relay topologiesBuild end-to-end streaming observability, QoE telemetry, and network-impairment benchmarks, partnering with vehicle and autonomy teams to couple browser feedback with upstream encodingWhat makes you a good fit:5+ years of software engineering experience with deep production expertise in WebRTC and real-time video streamingStrong command of WebRTC internals: PeerConnection, RTP/RTCP, SDP, ICE/STUN/TURN, SCTP data channels, jitter buffers, and congestion control (TWCC/GCC, NACK/RTX, PLI/FIR)Deep experience with low-level browser media APIs: WebCodecs (VideoDecoder, VideoFrame), Encoded Transform / Insertable Streams, and custom decode/jitter pipelines bypassing default video playbackProduction experience with LiveKit (or similar SFUs) and WebRTC stacks like Pion (Go) or libwebrtc, working across Go/C++ (cloud node) and TypeScript (browser)Solid grasp of video codecs and framing (H.264, H.265/HEVC, GOP/IDR policies, Annex-B to RTP, SEI NAL / packet-trailer metadata, hardware acceleration)Strong diagnostic skills using packet captures, browser getStats, and distributed telemetry, paired with empathy for users in high-stakes environmentsBonus points:Experience integrating WebCodecs (VideoFrame/ImageBitmap) with WebGL, WebGPU, or Three.js for 3D video projection and AR syncBackground in cloud ingest/republisher bridges, cloud gaming, or low-latency teleoperation over QUIC, UDP/FEC, or bonded cellular/Wi-Fi linksExperience patching open-source WebRTC libraries (livekit-client, server-sdk-go, pion/webrtc or running stateful media services on Kubernetes (FIPS/FedRAMP/on-prem)Comfort with AI-assisted development workflowsWork Location:Hybrid in San Mateo, CA (3 days/week in office; relocation assistance available).Note:You don't need to check every box — if you're excited about this role and think you'd be a strong fit, we encourage you to apply.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 $190,000 - $250,000*. 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.