UAS Field Sensing Intern

Vylor; Connell (WA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Vylor is seeking a 3-month intern for R&D in UAS-based field sensing for parent seed production, located at Pioneer’s parent seed region in Connell, WA. The role involves data collection, UAV operation, and processing, with collaboration across disciplines and with third parties on cutting-edge phenotyping and process development.

Interns will gain exposure to sensing equipment and data analytics, with mentorship from Midwest-based researchers and local on-site contacts.

Qualifications

• Enrolled student in STEM field at an accredited institution.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Part 107 UAS certification encouraged; not required for all applicants.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely data collection, analysis and organization.
• Fly UAVs and operate payloads.
• Process data and provide updates to research timelines.
• Perform field data collection while commuting to regional sites.
• Collaborate with researchers and external partners to meet project goals.
• Work in/around multiple environments, indoors and outdoors.

Skills

Self-motivation

Independent work

Safety mindfulness

Ability to collaborate

Education

Enrolled at an accredited university or community college

Minimum GPA 3.0

Senior or graduate student status

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Sensors

Programming basics

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join Vylor—Powering the Future of Agriculture

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on.

Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

Vylor is seeking a 3-month intern in research and development UAS-based field sensing for parent seed production. The position is situated at Pioneer’s flagship parent seed production region in Connell Washington near the Tri-Cities. This position will provide exposure to specific sensing equipment and data analysis/processing techniques while also performing computational tasks in process development and data analysis. The position will include engagement with researchers across a variety of disciplines, and third parties on the cutting-edge of technology, to further an understanding of future farming and phenotyping operations for product development. Any STEM major or those with STEM interests are invited to apply. This position will have flexibility to work from office or home on some days. The position will be primarily mentored and managed by researchers in the Midwest USA with a local contact also situated on site in Connell, WA.

Dates: May-August 2027 with negotiable start/stop dates

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely data collection, analysis and organization
• Fly UAV’s and/or operate robots whilst operating their associated payloads
• Process data and provide updates to research time, raise questions or improvements
• Safe driving record and comfort driving in a variety of road conditions
• Ability to collaborate with different groups and parties to achieve project goals
• Frequent Day trips to off-site locations in the region will be required
• Contribute to group plans and discussion around the impact and usage of technologies
• Use available sensors to create and manage a research project to be presented to station staff
• Data collection and equipment handling
• Data processing and analytics
• Willingness to work inside/outside in a range of environments
• Working in an interdisciplinary research environment

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and is self-motivated
• A Part 107 UAS certification is strongly encouraged
• Priority will be given to students that are at least current seniors at an accredited university or community college. Interns can be undergraduate or graduate students.
• High regard for safety and following standard operations and practices with professionalism
• Must be enrolled at an accredited university or community college at time of internship
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Experience applying technology to plant breeding or agronomy and screening techniques
• Experience with GIS, sensors, remote sensing, and agronomy desired
• Experience in engineering, designing, building, and testing equipment/sensors preferred
• Microsoft office suite experience
• Programming basics understanding preferred
• Ability to learn and adapt in fast-paced environments
• Ability to organize or work with large/complex datasets
• Experience working with sensitive/delicate electronic equipment
• Passion to explore, create, question, research, propose ideas, and overcome challenges

The salary range for this position is $ to $.This reflects a reasonable estimate of the targeted base salary for this role. Based on factors such as geographic location and candidate qualifications, actual base pay is determined when an employment offer is made.

Vylor is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.