Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

San Mateo, CA

About the role

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:

With best-in-class autonomy and real-time cloud connectivity, drones are becoming critical infrastructure for solving real-world problems faster, safer, and more efficiently.

As an intern on the Cloud Platform and Infrastructure team, you’ll help build and scale the cloud systems that make this possible. Our team works across a wide range of challenges and we go where we're needed:

  • Tackling scalability and deployment in both cloud and air-gapped environments

  • Designing and improving core cloud infrastructure and CI/CD systems

  • Enhancing telemetry, observability, and developer productivity

The variety of work means there are plenty of opportunities to learn and have a meaningful impact on how Skydio builds and delivers software. The ideal candidate is a junior, senior, or master’s student with hands-on experience developing complex web applications or backend systems, but above all, we're looking for a highly curious and resourceful candidate, capable of using tools and AI at their disposal to accelerate their understanding and productivity.

Project Examples:

  • Building a system for allowing product teams to manage feature flags and rollouts of functionality to customers.

  • Profiling server and backend system workloads, and optimizing performance or resource utilization.

  • Developing a test framework to allow developers to simulate certain vehicle states and test application behavior.

  • Developing and packaging a small form factor Skydio cloud offering for use in airgapped or edge environments.

What makes you a good fit:

  • Solid computer science fundamentals.

  • Meaningful project and/or internship experience developing complex web applications or backend data systems.

  • Proficiency with C/C++, Python, Golang, and/or Javascript/Typescript.

  • Familiarity with REST-ful APIs, Linux operating system configuration, build tools, relational databases (e.g. Postgres, MySQL) and caching systems (Redis, Memcached).

  • Understanding of cloud service offerings (e.g. AWS, GCP, Azure), deployment techniques, and configuration management

Compensation Range: The hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $58 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.


#LI-ZD1

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/

About Skydio

Skydio is a drone manufacturer that uses artificial intelligence to create flying drones that are used by consumers, enterprises, and government customers.

It develops AI-powered drones to deliver the power and flying cameras without the complexity. The company's drones use an array of cameras and proprietary computer vision technology to recognize, avoid objects in real-time, and predict into the future to make intelligent decisions, enabling users by flying themselves through the most demanding tasks or keeping them safe from obstacles when they want to take control. The company's debut drone, the R1, could track a target and film them while avoiding obstacles without any human intervention required. Then the company released the Skydio 2 in 2019, its second drone, cutting off more than half the price while improving its autonomous tracking and video capabilities. Its flagship product, the X2, is equipped with seven cameras, 100x zoom, night vision, and promises to turn ordinary users into expert pilots thanks to its self-piloting abilities. It is backed by top investors and strategic partners including Andreessen Horowitz, Linse Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, NVIDIA, and UP.Partners.

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Job details

Salary

$97,760 - $120,640

Location

San Mateo, CA

Company

NameSkydio
IndustryArtificial Intelligence (AI)
Team Size4

Funding

Total raised

$825M

Last stage

Growth

Investors

Andreessen Horowitz
NNext47
IVP
NVIDIA
Linse Capital

Founders

Abraham Bachrach

Abraham Bachrach

Co-Founder & CTO

LinkedIn
AB

Abe Bachrach

CTO and Co-founder

Adam Bry

Adam Bry

CEO and Co-founder

LinkedIn
MD

Matt Donahoe

Co-founder

What happens next.

No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.

01

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

02

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

03

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.