Skydio

PhD Autonomy Engineer Intern - Deep Learning / Computer Vision, 2027

San Mateo, California, United States
Level
Intern
Work type
On-site · San Mateo

Not stated in the posting: salary, visa.

Open. First seen 26 October 2026.

Apply on the company's site →

About the role

Skydio's standard text

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 team with researchers who have pushed the state of the art in academia and industry.

As a PhD 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 with relevant research 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
  • Demonstrated enthusiasm for one or more of the following: computer vision, deep learning, motion planning, dynamics and controls, 3D graphics, embedded software/firmware, distributed systems, tools/infrastructure, mobile
  • 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 hourly rate for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Masters, and $70/hr for PhD 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.

Skydio's standard text

#LI-DK1

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/

What this role asks for

Particular to this role

Deep Learning · Embedded Systems

Rare in Skydio's other 128 open postings.

Standard for data science / ML roles

Python

Common in data science / ML postings at any company.

65% of this description is written for the role. The rest is Skydio's standard text, folded away below.

Compared with Skydio's other open jobs.

The team: Autonomy HIRES STEADILY

This role is one of 28 open in Autonomy. 3 were posted in the last 30 days and the oldest in December: a team that hires all year rather than one being built.

WHAT THE TEAM WORKS WITH, ACROSS ITS POSTINGS

C++ (21 of 28), Deep Learning (18 of 28), Python (18 of 28), Computer Vision (17 of 28), Machine Learning (6 of 28), JavaScript (4 of 28), MLOps (4 of 28)

OTHER ROLES ON THIS TEAM

From the team and dates on Skydio's own job board.

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