About the role#
As an Autonomy Engineer Intern, you will focus on the simulation and robotics systems that power our drone technology. You will work directly with our core software development team to own projects that advance our simulation capabilities. This role involves designing and evolving the architecture that allows us to test and validate our autonomy stack before it ever touches a real drone.
What you'll do#
- Write core simulator components using C++ and Python.
- Improve physics models for vehicle motion and environmental interactions.
- Build high-fidelity simulations for sensors like cameras and IMUs.
- Run and validate the full Skydio autonomy stack within the simulator.
- Collaborate with autonomy, perception, and controls engineers to align simulated behavior with real-world results.
- Profile and optimize simulator performance to ensure efficiency.
- Debug complex interactions between physics, sensors, and autonomy logic.
- Document your work to help the team understand simulator internals.
What you'll need#
- Strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python.
- Experience building complex systems where performance and correctness are critical.
- Comfort working with time-synchronized systems, state machines, or real-time execution.
- Ability to contribute to a large, evolving codebase with many stakeholders.
- Genuine interest in robotics, simulation, or physical systems.
- Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.
Location & details#
- Location: San Mateo, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Masters, and $70/hr for PhD students.
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
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