PhD Autonomy Engineer Intern, 2027

First Roles; San Mateo (CA); Presencial; USD 80 000 - 113 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Paid vacation time

Sick leave

Holiday pay

401K savings plan

Resumo da oferta

Skydio is the leading US drone company, pioneering autonomous flight. This PhD Research Intern role pairs you with core software engineers to own a project advancing autonomy algorithms and practical drone capabilities.

You will prototype new approaches, assess feasibility, and help bring research into product-ready features within a fast-paced team environment.

Qualificações

• Strong foundation in math, theory, and software development.
• Experience in computer vision or deep learning is a plus.
• Past research or projects relevant to autonomy is expected.

Responsabilidades

• Architect and implement autonomy algorithms for drones.
• Partner with core software team on ownership of a project.
• Prototype and assess feasibility of new approaches.
• Characterize and quantify performance of software and hardware components.

Conhecimentos

C++

Python

Computer vision

Deep learning

Motion planning

Dynamics and controls

3D graphics

Embedded software/firmware

Distributed systems

Formação académica

PhD candidate

Ferramentas

Git

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Skydio# PhD Autonomy Engineer Intern, 2027Internship Live nowSan Mateo, CAPosted October 25, 2026Last seen at Skydio on October 26, 2026.FirstRoles never charges new grads or interns to apply.## About this roleSkydio 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 https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.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 a PhD Research 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 stackWhat 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 environmentCompensation: 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.#LI-DK1At 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/