Careers

Airphrame, a venture-backed startup based in San Francisco, is building the technology to control fleets of autonomous devices in a scalable and centralized manner. That’s right, tens of thousands of robots under our control… do I have your attention?

Our product focus is the development of a UAV-based “on-demand imaging platform,” primarily for data collection, to assist civil engineers, land surveyors, environmental engineers, and other professionals. Our technology has already demonstrated a tenfold cost reduction compared to traditional survey operations. Our goal is to use that advantage to open up a new realm of data acquisition strategies.

Airphrame has been developing drone technology since 2012. We were the first to demonstrate Internet-only based control and the first to utilize fleets commercially (completely without pilots). We’ve done more with less and plan to keep it that way. We prefer to work with small teams of talented people rather than large teams of “pretty good” engineers. We’re a tight knit group, with immense respect for each other’s complementary skill sets. We thrive on pushing the boundaries and our company mascot is a bourbon Manhattan.

We’re looking for self-directed, versatile individuals who work well in teams. You should be able to say you are the absolute best at what you do.

Positions

Full-Stack Engineer

Here are the qualities we are looking for:

  • Scala,, JavaScript and/or TypeScript, HTML, CSS
  • Scalable API design and implementation
  • Relational and NoSQL databases
  • Knowledge of modern frontend frameworks
  • Linux system administration
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • 4+ years industry experience, coding entire life
  • Passion for robotics, maps, and startup experience are all big plusses

Example Task Focus

Create a web interface for an analyst to label objects shown in images that are a part of a large geospatial dataset.

Frontend Engineer

Here are the qualities we are looking for:

  • You work well with designers (and ideally have a bit of design intuition yourself)
  • You value a great user experience
  • You love all things HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • Familiarity with TypeScript is a big plus

Example Task Focus

Visualize the position and status of 1,000 moving “icons” without crashing Chrome.

Backend Engineer

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the following technologies:

  • Scala and/or Java
  • Scalable API design and implementation
  • Relational and NoSQL databases
  • Linux system administration
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Bonus: geospatial database experience

You should also have great communication and follow-through skills, such that you could explain your efforts to anyone on the team. Startup experience is also a big plus.

Example Task Focus

Structure terabytes of 3D point cloud data with an appropriate index such that one can query based on time, location and “object” characteristics.

Computer Vision Engineer

Here are the qualities we are looking for:

  • Master or Phd with a focus in 3D reconstruction, classification, or both
  • Skills in C++
  • Passion for Computer Vision (Experience with OpenCV)
  • Understanding of Photogrammetry

Example Task Focus

Craft a method to extract angles from rooftops in a city wide 3D point cloud with RGB values.

Mechatronics Engineer

Here are the qualities we are looking for:

  • Knowledge of sensor selection, design, and usage (e.g. sensor fusion)
  • BS or higher degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering (MSEE preferred). – or an equivalent hardcore mechatronics depth in another department
  • Familiar with system integration, microprocessor, signal processing and various communication peripherals (e.g. SPI, I2C, UART)
  • Hands-on prototyping and hardware debugging, including fine-pitch soldering and rework, use of oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
  • Robust knowledge in embedded software developement (C, C++)
  • Bonus: Experience integrating sensors directly with autopilots

Example Task Focus

Source and integrate a small parachute deployment based on sensor feedback through the Pixhawk flight controller.

Business Development (Geospatial)

Our ideal candidate should have experience in sales of geospatial solutions involving LiDAR, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, survey, satellite imagery or supporting software. You should have expert understanding of the competitive landscape of mapping, civil engineering, and environmental and land survey consultants. You should also have an understanding of applications in the areas of these mapping solutions: energy, environmental, transportation, state and local government. Show us that you’ve actually won work in these areas, start to finish, from lead generation to customer success story.

Example Task Focus

Establish a million+ per year task order with AECOM (or similar company) for 1-week turn around topographic map generation.

Business Development (Generalist)

We need you to be a Swiss Army knife of customer discovery, enterprise sales, and pure hustle. This is a job where you will be rolling up your sleeves, doubling up on company operations as necessary.

Example Task Focus

Convince the San Francisco Emergency Management department to sign a LOI for earthquake scenario drone deployment.

Field Operations

This is a role for a true adventurer. You’re they kind of person who is out in the field, whether we give you this job or not. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, driving, exploring, and of course operating, never-before-seen flying robots. Bonus if you have a surveyor’s license or willingness to acquire one.

Example Task Focus

Start a survey on an electric transmission corridor in Oregon (with limited road access) on 48 hours notice.

Location

In San Francisco, or willing to relocate. We’ve got a small team and we want to work together!

Compensation

Full-time salary negotiable based on experience, competitive equity compensation plan.

Perks

  • Medical & Dental
  • Time spent outdoors, testing with the team
  • Unlimited vacation

Application Process

Please send an email to: jobs@airphrame.com, subject: [Position Name]

Include your resume as well as a cover letter with your past experience, and what areas pique your interest most. Please also highlight other side projects or contributions that show your passion (either aligned with your core expertise or otherwise).