Embedded Software Engineer Intern - Winter 2027
Skydio
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 looking for interns for the Winter 2027 Season. Reliable embedded firmware acts as the brain stem of our autonomous drones and accessory products -- bridging the gap between the algorithms and the sensors/mechanical hardware. As an Embedded Software Engineering Intern, you will have the opportunity to help define and develop functionality for internal teams and/or current & future products in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
An ideal intern candidate is a junior, senior, or MS-level college student with industry experience developing device-level embedded software or firmware.
About the team:
Our team is responsible for large portions of the software engineering stack, working on a wide variety of subsystems. We write bare metal and RTOS microcontroller code (generally STM32 product line), integrate and write code for embedded linux and android platforms (Qualcomm and Nvidia SOCs), maintain the associated linux kernels, and help design and bring up all new electronics.
We work closely with both the hardware team and the rest of the software organization, creating the foundation for the rest of the Skydio software team to build upon.
How you'll make an impact:
Develop and implement the embedded software that runs on the drone and our growing accessory product lines e.g. Skydio Dock
Characterize, integrate, and validate key subsystems (e.g. cameras, radios, flight controllers)
Bring up and debug new hardware
Write interfaces and drivers for sensors, cameras, and other devices
What makes you a good fit:
Practical experience writing firmware/embedded code for a physical device
Proficiency with C++ within the context of embedded systems
Proficiency with Python for testing, experimentation, and tools development
Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries
Ability to read schematics and use standard debugging equipment: oscilloscope, logic analyzer, multimeter
Ownership in digging into complex problems
Bonus points for embedded linux userspace and kernel development
Bonus points for knowledge of debugging systems at ARM assembly code level
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/
Responsibilities
- Develop embedded software for drones and accessory products
- Characterize, integrate, and validate subsystems such as cameras, radios, and flight controllers
- Bring up and debug new hardware
- Write interfaces and drivers for sensors, cameras, and other devices
Qualifications
- Practical experience writing firmware or embedded code for a physical device
- Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems
- Proficiency in Python for testing, experimentation, and tool development
- Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries
- Ability to read schematics and use debugging equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters
- Ability to take ownership of complex problems
- Bonus: experience with embedded Linux userspace or kernel development
- Bonus: knowledge of debugging systems at the ARM assembly level
Skills mentioned
About Skydio
Skydio is the leading U.S.-based drone manufacturer and the world leader in autonomous flight technology. We leverage breakthrough artificial intelligence to create flying robots that are easier to operate, safer to fly, and more capable in complex environments. Our systems are trusted by more than 3,800 agencies and organizations across the U.S. military, public safety, and critical infrastructure sectors. Skydio Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs now operate in 42 states, and more than 16M Americans live within the response zone of a DFR Dock. In total, Skydio supports more than 1,200 public safety agencies – double the number from a year ago. More than 250 utilities rely on Skydio for inspection programs that improve reliability and worker safety. In national security, they are supporting mission-critical operations both on the battlefield and across military installations, keeping our nation and our allies secure. Founded in 2014, Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S., with headquarters in San Mateo, CA, and manufacturing facilities in Hayward, CA. We are the largest drone manufacturer in the U.S. and have shipped more than 60,000 flying robots. The company is backed by top investors and strategic partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, Linse Capital, N47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.
H-1B sponsorship history
Historical employer filing data was found for Skydio. The employer record includes 145 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.