Autonomy Engineer Intern, 2027

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 96,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Job summary

Skydio, the leading US drone company, seeks an Autonomy Intern to join a world-class computer vision team. You will own a project advancing autonomy algorithms for the next generation of Skydio drones, paired with senior engineers on real products.

If you have strong math, theory, and software development foundations and interest in directly contributing to autonomy research, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll prototype features, measure performance, and ship impactful results.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in math, theory, and software development with relevant research.
• Experience or interest in one or more of: computer vision, deep learning, motion planning, dynamics and controls, 3D graphics, embedded software/firmware, distributed systems, tools/infrastructure, mobile.

Responsibilities

• Enable rapid research and development of intelligent systems with advanced autonomous capabilities beyond anything that exists today.
• Research, prototype, and assess feasibility of new approaches.
• Imagine and implement new features that unlock magic for users.
• Characterize and quantify the performance of core components of the software and hardware stack.

Skills

C++

Python

Tools

Computer vision

Job description

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:

The core of our system is the computer vision algorithms that allow drones to understand the world around them. You will architect and implement the algorithms that run on every drone powered by Skydio as part of a world class computer vision team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry.

As an Autonomy Intern, you will be paired up with one or more members of our core software development team, assuming direct ownership of a project that meaningfully advances the capabilities of our team and products.

If you have a strong foundation in math, theory, and software development with relevant research and you are interested in directly contributing to the development of the next generation of autonomy algorithms and pushing them into real products, we would love to hear from you.

How you'll make an impact:

• Enable rapid research and development of intelligent systems with advanced autonomous capabilities beyond anything that exists in the world today
• Research, prototype, and generally assess the feasibility of new approaches
• Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users
• Characterize and quantify the performance of core components of the software and hardware stack

What makes you a strong fit:

• High proficiency in C++ and/or Python
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for one or more of the following: computer vision, deep learning, motion planning, dynamics and controls, 3D graphics, embedded software/firmware, distributed systems, tools/infrastructure, mobile
• Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well-architected code
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, small team environment

Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Masters, 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.

*For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.

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/