Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

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

Job summary

Skydio is seeking a motivated Process Engineering Intern to support the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for its autonomous products. You will collaborate with experienced engineers to improve production efficiency, quality, and scalability.

You will conduct time studies, assist with line balancing, labor modeling, and NPI ramp activities, and help maintain standard work and documentation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Familiarity with time study and work measurement concepts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, quality, and ergonomics.
• Conduct time studies and analyze cycle times to identify bottlenecks and improve labor efficiency.
• Assist in developing standard work instructions, process docs, and visual manufacturing aids.

Skills

Time study

MOST/MODAPTS

Excel

Python/SQL/Power BI

Lean Manufacturing

CAD software

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

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 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:

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Process Engineering Intern to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for our current and next generation of autonomous products. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to improve production efficiency, optimize manufacturing processes, and support new product introductions. Your contributions will help drive quality, productivity, and operational scalability across our manufacturing operations.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Support the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, quality, and operator ergonomics.
• Conduct time studies and analyze manufacturing cycle times to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and improve labor efficiency.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standard work instructions, process documentation, and visual manufacturing aids.
• Support production capacity studies, line balancing, and labor modeling to identify opportunities for throughput improvements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams to support new product introductions (NPI) and production ramp activities.
• Analyze production performance data, including cycle times, downtime, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), to identify improvement opportunities.
• Assist with production line layouts, workstation design, and material flow improvements to optimize space utilization and manufacturing efficiency.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, waste reduction, and process standardization.
• Support engineering projects from planning through implementation, including data collection, process trials, and validation of improvements.
• Work directly with production operators and technicians to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and implement practical solutions.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with time study techniques, predetermined motion time systems such as MOST or MODAPTS, or work measurement principles is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar data analysis tools; experience with Python, SQL, or Power BI is a plus.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing concepts, standard work, line balancing, or capacity analysis is a plus.
• Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with an eagerness to learn from engineers, technicians, and production operators.
• Enthusiasm for hands-on engineering, manufacturing operations, and developing creative solutions to real-world challenges.

Compensation Range: The hourly base salary range 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.

*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/.