About the role#
As an Autonomy Engineer Intern, you will work within our Autonomy Infrastructure, Systems and Tools team. You will be paired with our core software development team to take ownership of a project that advances our autonomy capabilities. This role sits at the intersection of autonomy software and core robotics middleware, focusing on the tools that enable our engineers to test, debug, and improve drone performance.
What you'll do#
- Design and build replay and analysis systems to inspect and reproduce autonomy behavior.
- Develop scalable infrastructure for automated testing and failure triage.
- Define clear APIs, data contracts, and performance requirements for robotics middleware.
- Lead the design and implementation of tools used across autonomy development and testing workflows.
- Collaborate with autonomy, QA, and infrastructure teams to gather requirements and deliver tooling.
- Build tools to streamline stages of the robotics development process.
- Take ownership of internal services from concept through deployment and monitoring.
- Contribute to the roadmap for developer tools that improve debugging efficiency and system understanding.
What you'll need#
- Proficiency in C++ and Python.
- Strong grasp of performance-sensitive and multi-threaded systems.
- Experience with simulation frameworks, time-synchronized data systems, or state-machine-driven applications.
- Familiarity with structured data visualization, log processing, or developer tooling design.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work in an environment where requirements evolve and priorities shift.
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
Location & details#
- Location: San Mateo, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time, paid internship.
About Skydio
Skydio designs and manufactures autonomous drones for public safety, defense, and utility inspection. The company focuses on artificial intelligence to simplify flight operations for complex environments. Founded in 2014, the firm maintains its headquarters in San Mateo and manufacturing facilities in Hayward, California. It currently employs over 1,000 people and has shipped more than 60,000 units.
How to get in at Skydio
Securing an internship at Skydio requires speed because high-growth robotics firms often fill roles quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. It is a simple way to stay ahead of the competition during a busy recruiting season. Beyond speed, you should look for ways to distinguish your application from the standard queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with a human recruiter shows you have done your homework on the company mission.
