Embedded Software Engineer Intern - Winer 2027

skydio; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Skydio is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern for the Winter 2027 season in the United States. You will help define and develop firmware that powers autonomous drones and accessories, collaborating with hardware and software teams to bridge algorithms and sensors.

The ideal candidate is a junior, senior, or MS-level student with hands-on device-level embedded software experience and strong C++ skills, plus Python for testing. Eligible for an internship with hands-on hardware exposure.

Qualifications

• Experience writing firmware/embedded code for physical devices.
• Proficiency with C++ in embedded systems.
• Proficiency with Python for testing and tools development.
• Ability to read schematics and use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters.
• Ownership in digging into complex problems.
• Bonus: embedded Linux userspace/kernel development.
• Bonus: knowledge of ARM assembly debugging.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement embedded software for drones and accessory products (e.g., Skydio Dock).
• Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (cameras, radios, flight controllers).
• Bring up and debug new hardware; write interfaces and drivers for sensors and devices.

Skills

Firmware development

C++ (embedded)

Python

Debugging tools

Schematics reading

Problem ownership

Embedded Linux (bonus)

ARM assembly (bonus)

Education

Undergrad/Grad/PhD student in CS/EE

Job description

About the role:

We are looking for interns for the Winter 2027 Season. Reliable embedded firmware acts as the brain stem of our autonomous drones and accessory products -- bridging the gap between the algorithms and the sensors/mechanical hardware. As an Embedded Software Engineering Intern, you will have the opportunity to help define and develop functionality for internal teams and/or current & future products in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

An ideal intern candidate is a junior, senior, or MS-level college student with industry experience developing device-level embedded software or firmware.

About the team:

Our team is responsible for large portions of the software engineering stack, working on a wide variety of subsystems. We write bare metal and RTOS microcontroller code (generally STM32 product line), integrate and write code for embedded linux and android platforms (Qualcomm and Nvidia SOCs), maintain the associated linux kernels, and help design and bring up all new electronics. We work closely with both the hardware team and the rest of the software organization, creating the foundation for the rest of the Skydio software team to build upon.

How you'll make an impact:

• Develop and implement the embedded software that runs on the drone and our growing accessory product lines e.g. Skydio Dock
• Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. cameras, radios, flight controllers)
• Bring up and debug new hardware
• Write interfaces and drivers for sensors, cameras, and other devices

What makes you a good fit:

• Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device
• Proficiency with C++ within the context of embedded systems
• Proficiency with Python for testing, experimentation, and tools development
• Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries
• Ability to read schematics and use standard debugging equipment: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter
• Ownership in digging into complex problems
• Bonus points for embedded linux userspace and kernel development
• Bonus points for knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level

Compensation Range:

The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $58/hr 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.

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/