Cellular Compliance Engineer

Job description

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. About the Role: Skydio’s wireless systems connect users to our autonomous ecosystem and are foundational to the performance, reliability, and scalability of our products. Cellular connectivity is increasingly important across Skydio’s product portfolio, and successful deployment requires products to meet complex industry and carrier certification requirements. We are looking for a Cellular Compliance Engineer with strong hands-on experience in cellular certification and validation. The primary responsibility of this role is to drive and support cellular certification testing, including PTCRB and carrier certification testing, and ensure Skydio products successfully complete certification on schedule. This is a highly hands-on role that requires close collaboration with internal engineering teams, cellular module and chipset vendors, certification labs, and mobile network operators. The engineer will spend significant time onsite at third-party certification labs to support test execution, troubleshoot failures, and drive issues to resolution. Up to 50% travel is required, primarily to certification and carrier test labs. How You’ll Make an Impact: - Own and support cellular certification testing for Skydio products, including PTCRB and carrier certification programs - Develop certification plans, test strategies, schedules, and test configurations based on product architecture and target carriers/markets - Work directly with third-party certification labs to execute PTCRB and carrier test campaigns - Provide hands-on onsite support during certification testing, including device setup, configuration, log collection, debugging, and issue resolution - Troubleshoot cellular certification failures and work with internal engineering teams, module vendors, chipset vendors, labs, and carriers to identify root causes and corrective actions - Support cellular modem configuration, firmware, RF parameter, band, power, and network settings required for certification testing - Analyze modem logs, signaling logs, RF measurements, and test reports to identify and resolve certification issues - Track certification status, failures, retests, waivers, and open issues and communicate risks and progress to cross-functional teams - Partner closely with RF, antenna, EE, software, systems, regulatory, manufacturing, and program management teams throughout the certification process - Coordinate with cellular module vendors and chipset suppliers to resolve modem firmware, protocol, RF, and network interoperability issues - Interface with mobile network operators and certification labs to clarify test requirements and drive issues to closure - Support pre-certification testing and readiness reviews to identify potential issues before formal certification begins - Support cellular RF and OTA validation related to certification, including conducted RF, TRP/TIS, and antenna performance testing - Review certification test reports and ensure all required testing and documentation are completed for product launch - Develop and improve internal cellular certification processes, test procedures, documentation, and best practices - Support products through certification from engineering validation through production and market launch What Makes You a Good Fit: - Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions. - BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications, Telecommunications, or a related technical field - 5+ years of experience in cellular testing, certification, wireless validation, or cellular product development - Hands-on experience with PTCRB certification and associated cellular test requirements - Hands-on experience supporting carrier certification with major mobile network operators; experience with U.S. carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile is strongly preferred - Strong understanding of LTE and 5G NR technologies, including cellular bands, RF requirements, protocol behavior, network registration, and mobility - Experience supporting certification of products using commercial cellular modules or modem platforms - Experience troubleshooting cellular RF, protocol, modem firmware, and network interoperability issues - Familiarity with cellular certification test equipment and platforms such as Rohde & Schwarz CMW500/CMX500, Keysight, Anritsu, or equivalent systems - Experience collecting and analyzing modem and protocol logs using chipset or module vendor diagnostic tools - Understanding of cellular RF measurements including Tx power, EVM, ACLR, sensitivity, throughput, and related conducted RF measurements - Familiarity with OTA cellular performance testing, including TRP and TIS, is preferred - Experience working directly with third-party certification labs, cellular module vendors, chipset vendors, and mobile network operators - Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to independently drive complex certification failures to resolution - Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple certification programs and test activities simultaneously - Comfortable working in a fast-paced product development environment and supporting time-critical certification activities - Ability and willingness