Skydio is the leading U.S.-based drone manufacturer and the world leader in autonomous flight technology. We leverage breakthrough artificial intelligence to create flying robots that are easier to operate, safer to fly, and more capable in complex environments. Our systems are trusted by more than 3,800 agencies and organizations across the U.S. military, public safety, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Skydio Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs now operate in 42 states, and more than 16M Americans live within the response zone of a DFR Dock. In total, Skydio supports more than 1,200 public safety agencies – double the number from a year ago.
More than 250 utilities rely on Skydio for inspection programs that improve reliability and worker safety.
In national security, they are supporting mission-critical operations both on the battlefield and across military installations, keeping our nation and our allies secure.
Founded in 2014, Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S., with headquarters in San Mateo, CA, and manufacturing facilities in Hayward, CA. We are the largest drone manufacturer in the U.S. and have shipped more than 60,000 flying robots.
The company is backed by top investors and strategic partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, Linse Capital, N47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.
The intern will design and implement hardware and software systems to execute performance and reliability validation for autonomous drones.
They will also analyze test data, perform failure analysis, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive design improvements.
What you need
Candidates should have a systematic approach to problem-solving and experience with Python for test automation and data analysis.
Familiarity with electro-mechanical systems and stress or environmental testing methods is also required.
Education: a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree
Key skills
Hardware testingReliability engineeringPythonTest automationData analysisFailure analysisElectro-mechanical systemsDesign for reliabilityRoot cause analysisProduct validationProject managementCross-functional teamworkEnvironmental testingAccelerated life testingAutonomous systems
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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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the role:
We are seeking Summer 2027 interns or Co-ops for our Hardware Test & Reliability Team!
Autonomous systems are a new breed of product that bring together electronics hardware and real-time AI software. The complexity of the systems combined with the fact they can move freely in the real world, makes the development and reliability testing strategy a key element of delivering a great product.
We are seeking a driven and cross-functional engineering intern to help the development and execution of test plans and testing infrastructure to enable rapid design iteration and robust product validation for state-of-the-art autonomous flying machines servicing a broad range of consumer and commercial use cases.
How you’ll make an impact:
Own the design and implementation of hardware and software systems to execute comprehensive performance and reliability validation for products performing in a wide array of use cases
Analyze data, calculate statistics, and carefully document results to explain trends and inform impactful design improvements
Perform failure analysis to identify root cause and help develop process/design mitigations to resolve system issues, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams
Participate in design reviews and provide key design for reliability inputs to mitigate risks at every stage of the product development lifecycle
What makes you a good fit:
A sense of how to test, how not to test, and how to find vulnerabilities in processes and design
A systematic approach to problem solving, and a knack for rapidly identifying issues within electro-mechanical systems; strong desire to drive failure analyses to true root cause
Enthusiastic tendencies toward diving in and applying first principles to engineer creative solutions to complex problems
Experience with Python or other programming languages for test automation, data analysis and visualization
Strong desire to learn and contribute across multiple domains within a dynamic and growing organization
Excellent project management, written & verbal communication and cross-functional teamwork skills
Familiarity with testing equipment and basic knowledge of stress, environmental, and accelerated life testing methods to assess product durability and reliability.
Compensation Range: The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $58 for PhD students*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience.
*For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
