Mike Ross
About Mike Ross
Mike Ross is the Chief of Staff for Product Management at Skydio, with a background in autonomous flight technology and extensive experience in product management. He holds a B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Current Role at Skydio
Mike Ross serves as the Chief of Staff for Product Management at Skydio, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience in product management and technology to guide strategic initiatives within the company. His leadership is informed by his previous experience at Skydio, where he was the Interim Head of Product from 2021 to 2022 and the Senior Director of Product Management from 2020 to 2021. His current role allows him to influence product development and management strategies at Skydio, a leader in autonomous flight technology.
Education and Expertise
Mike Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, he completed training at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, achieving the status of Engineering Test Pilot. His educational background provides a strong foundation in both engineering principles and advanced technology applications, particularly in the field of autonomous systems.
Professional Background
Mike Ross has a diverse professional background that spans various roles in product management, engineering, and military aviation. He worked at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in multiple capacities, including Research and Development and as the Autonomy Portfolio Reserve Team Lead. His military experience includes serving as an Operations Officer and Strike Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, as well as roles in test piloting and engineering program management. This combination of military and civilian experience informs his approach to product management and technology development.
Previous Experience
Prior to his current role, Mike Ross held several significant positions. He worked at the Naval Postgraduate School as a Product Manager and Systems Engineer, and at Samsara as Director of Product Management. His tenure at the Defense Innovation Unit included roles such as Deputy Director of the Joint Reserve Detachment and Talent Acquisition Lead. His varied experiences across different organizations and roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of product management and technology innovation.
Military Service and Contributions
Mike Ross continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, maintaining a connection to military aviation and technology. His military background includes significant roles such as Operations Officer and Strike Fighter Pilot, contributing to his expertise in autonomous flight technology. His experience as an experimental test pilot enhances his understanding of the complexities involved in developing and managing advanced technological systems.