Autonomy Engineer Intern, Computer Vision / Deep Learning, Summer 2027 at Skydio (San Mateo California, United States)
Skydio· San Mateo California, United States·
Role details
Skydio at a glance
Autonomous drones and flight software for public safety, infrastructure inspection, and national security, all designed and assembled in the USA.
Skydio builds autonomous drones (the X10, indoor R10, and defense-grade X10D), docks that let them fly and recharge unattended, and the Skydio Cloud software that plans missions and manages fleets. The whole platform runs on the company's own computer-vision autonomy, so drones avoid obstacles and fly without a trained pilot. It sells to public safety agencies, infrastructure operators, and defense forces.
$340M+ raised · latest: Series F · $110M · 2026 ($4.4B valuation) · backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Nvidia, IVP, Next47
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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond. About the role: The core of our system is the computer vision algorithms that allow drones to understand the world around them. You will architect and implement the algorithms that run on every drone powered by Skydio as part of a world class computer vision and deep learning team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry. As a Research Intern, you will be paired up with one or more members of our core software development team, assuming direct ownership of a project that meaningfully advances the capabilities of our team and products. If you have a strong foundation in math, theory, and software development and you are interested in directly contributing to the development of the next generation of autonomy algorithms and pushing them into real products, we would love to hear from you. How you'll make an impact:
- Enable rapid research and development of intelligent systems with advanced autonomous capabilities beyond anything that exists in the world today
- Research, prototype, and generally assess the feasibility of new approaches
- Imagine and then implement new features that unlock magic for our users
- Characterize and quantify the performance of core components of the software and hardware stack
What makes you a strong fit:
- High proficiency in C++ and/or Python and PyTorch
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for one or more of the following: computer vision, deep learning, motion planning, dynamics and controls, 3D graphics, distributed systems, and tools/infrastructure
- Solid software engineering foundation and a commitment to writing clean, well-architected code
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, small team environment
Compensation Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad and $53/hr for Graduate students* Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends. *For some positions the pay may be dependent upon the individual's regional location.
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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 e-verify.gov
Why work at Skydio
- Purpose-driven impact – work on tech that “makes our world safer and more efficient” (autonomous drones for first responders, search & rescue, battlefield awareness).
- Cutting-edge engineering – stack spans AI/robotics, computer vision, cloud, mobile, aerodynamics, sensors, and hardware; described as “the Mount Everest of technology.”
- Collaborative culture – “intense but rewarding”; teams include world-class engineers, special forces operators, and industry experts.
- Hybrid/office – headquarters in San Mateo (Bay Area) with manufacturing in Hayward; satellite offices in Boston, Japan, and India. Many engineering roles are on-site or hybrid, but some positions list remote (US) availability.
- Notable perks – no explicit perks listed, but culture emphasizes real-world impact, cross-functional work, and autonomy to solve hard problems.