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.
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 team:
We develop autonomous flying robots for professional media capture, commercial inspection, and situational awareness from customer use case analysis to requirements definition, product development, factory bringup, and validation through mass production
We work directly with subsystem technology vendors and cross functionally internally with hardware, embedded, and autonomy teams to develop vehicle, controller, and docking architectures including subsystem architectures such as imagine, ranging, compute, motor control, communication, sensing, and payloads.
We build and maintain our in-house tools for system & subsystem level characterization, development, validation, and manufacturing
We use Linux, Mac, and Windows based tools for hardware & software development, system & subsystem integration, as well as testing
About the role: We are looking for a System Design Engineer Intern to drive current and future system & subsystem architectures that meet Skydio’s product vision, including subsystem development and system integration. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with experience in one of Skydio’s core focus areas who is passionate about developing new technology for autonomous flying robots.
How you'll make an impact:
Collaborate with embedded, hardware, wireless, software, and autonomy teams to derive specifications and develop subsystem architectures consisting of mechanical assemblies, electronics, and embedded software
Develop methods to simulate, quantify, analyze, and present proposals and designs for platforms & subsystems as well as collaborate on prototyping efforts
Drive architecture specifications down to component level selection and development
What makes you a good fit:
Good software development skills with an ambition to write clean and efficient code in Python and C/C++
Some experience in embedded systems development
Excellent written skills for clear reporting of data analysis and conclusions
Experience working on systems that integrate some combination of imaging, ranging, advanced compute, motor control, communication, sensing, or payloads
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.
Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $70/hr for PhD students*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Interns are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s 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/
