Flight Test Intern - Summer 2027

Skydio; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a Flight Test Intern to validate and advance future products. You will collaborate across teams on the flight test team, gaining hands-on experience with autonomous flight platforms and the software that powers them.

This role emphasizes practical testing of software features, hardware integration, and data collection from flight tests, with opportunities to contribute to reliability, performance, and customer-facing applications in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Software/hardware testing background is required.
• Part 107 Certification required.
• Demonstrated debugging of hardware and software systems.
• Experience operating Linux-based systems.
• Experience testing web-based applications.
• Wireless testing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct smoke and regression tests to ensure system reliability.
• Perform daily testing on the master branch to maintain software quality.
• Enhance the Skydio Dock end-to-end experience by collaborating with engineers to resolve issues.
• Support validation of new software features for customer-facing applications.
• Identify and communicate product limitations early to improve performance and market fit.
• Verify software updates to maintain a stable flying platform.
• Collect flight data to support benchmarking efforts.
• Execute wireless testing on new software and hardware platforms.

Skills

Testing background

Part 107 Certification

Debugging hardware & software

Linux skills

Web testing experience

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

Skydio is looking for an enthusiastic Flight Test Intern to help validate and advance the next generation of Skydio products. As a leader in developing cutting-edge aerial platforms and the software that powers them, Skydio offers an exciting environment for hands-on work with all our products. In this role, you will collaborate closely with various teams across the organization, providing support across multiple projects on the flight test team. This is a unique opportunity to play an essential role in shaping Skydio’s innovative products.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Conduct smoke and regression tests to ensure system reliability and confidence
• Perform daily testing on the master branch to maintain software quality
• Enhance the end-to-end Skydio Dock experience by working closely with engineers to identify and resolve key issues
• Support the validation of new software features for customer-facing applications
• Identify and communicate product limitations early in the development cycle to improve performance and market fit
• Verify software updates to maintain a stable and reliable flying platform
• Collect flight data to support competitive benchmarking efforts
• Execute wireless testing on all new software and hardware platforms

What Makes You a Good Fit

• Software/hardware testing background
• Part 107 Certification
• Consider yourself a jack of all trades
• Solid debugging of hardware and software systems
• Enjoy working on multiple projects at the same time
• Practical experience with UAS
• Understanding of UAS subsystems and their real world performance
• Basic mechanical and electrical system integration knowledge
• Experience operating Linux based systems
• Demonstrated passion for things that fly (bonus points for sUAS Pilot's license)
• Thorough communication and documentation skills
• Interest in spending time outdoors
• Experience testing web based applications
• Wireless testing experience preferred

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is $41/hr for Undergrad and $47/hr for Graduate 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/