Process Engineering 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:

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 rate for this position is $41/hr for Undergrad, $47/hr for Graduate students, and $53/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.

    *Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s 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

$85,280 - $110,240

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.