Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
00:00 Intro & Teasers
03:30 Ross's Path to Embedded Engineering
07:52 Lessons from Kickstarter and Early Projects
12:35 Transitioning to Boosted Boards and Micro-Mobility
17:52 Challenges in Embedded Systems and Hardware Development
22:45 Skydio's Unique Approach to Drone Technology
30:06 Manufacturing Drones in the U.S.
35:01 Embedded Engineering Challenges and Safety Considerations
39:29 Testing and Quality Assurance in Drone Development
46:47 Future of Skydio and Career Opportunities
56:18 Closing Thoughts & Reflections
Coredump Sessions started at Memfault, now part of Nordic Semiconductor. We're continuing the series here with the same hosts, guests, and deep dives into embedded systems.
In today's Coredump Session, François Baldassari and Chris Coleman sit down with Ross Yeager, VP of Device Platform Software at Skydio, to explore how autonomy is reshaping modern robotics and what it takes to build drones that can truly think for themselves. Ross shares his journey from Boosted Boards to Skydio, unpacking how the company pioneered fully autonomous flight, built a vertically integrated manufacturing operation in California, and created a foundation that blends cutting-edge software and hardware. It’s a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the engineering mindset behind one of the most advanced drone platforms in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Ross Yeager's journey into embedded engineering began with a passion for electronics and product development.
- Kickstarter projects provided valuable lessons in scaling production and managing customer expectations.
- Working at Boosted Boards allowed Ross to experience the challenges of building products from scratch.
- Safety is a critical concern in drone technology, with high stakes for reliability and performance.
- Skydio's unique approach involves vertical integration, manufacturing drones in the U.S. for quality control.
- The embedded engineering landscape has evolved, with new tools and technologies simplifying development.
- Testing and quality assurance are paramount, with innovative methods to ensure reliability in drone operations.
- Ross emphasizes the importance of curiosity and problem-solving in engineering roles.
Listen to the Podcast episode: memfault.com/coredump-sessions
Join the Interrupt Slack: [https://interrupt-slack.herokuapp.com](https://interrupt-slack.herokuapp.com/)
Suggest a Guest: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf76qnsUDznyIJfC2OXCC_dIwR8v9z1yvE3PPlOhfsNCR_sug/viewform?usp=header
Follow Nordic Semiconductor:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nordic-semiconductor
- Instagram: instagram.com/nordicsemi
- Facebook: facebook.com/nordicsemiconductor
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@nordic_semiconductor
- Twitter (X): twitter.com/NordicTweets
Follow Memfault:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/memfault
- Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/memfault.com
- Twitter:twitter.com/memfault
Other ways to listen:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coredump-sessions/id1804647817
iHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/269-coredump-sessions-271043539
Amazon Music:music.amazon.com/podcasts/a5a780d4-7f14-4ed8-bda6-dd1aa4e98479/coredump-sessions)
GoodPods:goodpods.com/podcasts/coredump-sessions-668730)
Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Coredump-Sessions-id6534689?country=us
Visit our website: nordicsemi.com
Coredump Sessions started at Memfault, now part of Nordic Semiconductor. We're continuing the series here with the same hosts, guests, and deep dives into embedded systems.
00:00 Intro & Teasers
03:30 Ross's Path to Embedded Engineering
07:52 Lessons from Kickstarter and Early Projects
12:35 Transitioning to Boosted Boards and Micro-Mobility
17:52 Challenges in Embedded Systems and Hardware Development
22:45 Skydio's Unique Approach to Drone Technology
30:06 Manufacturing Drones in the U.S.
35:01 Embedded Engineering Challenges and Safety Considerations
39:29 Testing and Quality Assurance in Drone Development
46:47 Future of Skydio and Career Opportunities
56:18 Closing Thoughts & Reflections
Coredump Sessions started at Memfault, now part of Nordic Semiconductor. We're continuing the series here with the same hosts, guests, and deep dives into embedded systems.
In today's Coredump Session, François Baldassari and Chris Coleman sit down with Ross Yeager, VP of Device Platform Software at Skydio, to explore how autonomy is reshaping modern robotics and what it takes to build drones that can truly think for themselves. Ross shares his journey from Boosted Boards to Skydio, unpacking how the company pioneered fully autonomous flight, built a vertically integrated manufacturing operation in California, and created a foundation that blends cutting-edge software and hardware. It’s a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the engineering mindset behind one of the most advanced drone platforms in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Ross Yeager's journey into embedded engineering began with a passion for electronics and product development.
- Kickstarter projects provided valuable lessons in scaling production and managing customer expectations.
- Working at Boosted Boards allowed Ross to experience the challenges of building products from scratch.
- Safety is a critical concern in drone technology, with high stakes for reliability and performance.
- Skydio's unique approach involves vertical integration, manufacturing drones in the U.S. for quality control.
- The embedded engineering landscape has evolved, with new tools and technologies simplifying development.
- Testing and quality assurance are paramount, with innovative methods to ensure reliability in drone operations.
- Ross emphasizes the importance of curiosity and problem-solving in engineering roles.
Listen to the Podcast episode: memfault.com/coredump-sessions
Join the Interrupt Slack: [https://interrupt-slack.herokuapp.com](https://interrupt-slack.herokuapp.com/)
Suggest a Guest: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf76qnsUDznyIJfC2OXCC_dIwR8v9z1yvE3PPlOhfsNCR_sug/viewform?usp=header
Follow Nordic Semiconductor:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nordic-semiconductor
- Instagram: instagram.com/nordicsemi
- Facebook: facebook.com/nordicsemiconductor
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@nordic_semiconductor
- Twitter (X): twitter.com/NordicTweets
Follow Memfault:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/memfault
- Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/memfault.com
- Twitter:twitter.com/memfault
Other ways to listen:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coredump-sessions/id1804647817
iHeartRadio: iheart.com/podcast/269-coredump-sessions-271043539
Amazon Music:music.amazon.com/podcasts/a5a780d4-7f14-4ed8-bda6-dd1aa4e98479/coredump-sessions)
GoodPods:goodpods.com/podcasts/coredump-sessions-668730)
Castbox: https://castbox.fm/channel/Coredump-Sessions-id6534689?country=us
Visit our website: nordicsemi.com
Coredump Sessions started at Memfault, now part of Nordic Semiconductor. We're continuing the series here with the same hosts, guests, and deep dives into embedded systems.
