INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Middleware Software Engineer Intern - Fall 2026

CompanySkydio
LocationSan Mateo
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMay 21, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Develop and implement software for drones and accessory products, focusing on the middleware layer between the kernel and application. Design simple APIs for complex infrastructure and evaluate system performance and reliability.
Internship Type
intern
Company Size
976
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
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.
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 Fall 2026 Season.

The Device Platform - Middleware team is responsible for the foundational infrastructure that underlies Skydio devices. The software we write and maintain sits between the kernel and application layers of Skydio’s autonomous drones and accessory products, and includes software updates, logging, media management, inter-process communication, and the event loop. At this critical layer, we work cross-functionality with teams across the company, including Embedded Systems, Design, Flight Test, and Customer Support. As a Software Engineering Intern for our team, 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. 

How you'll make an impact:

  • Develop and implement software that runs on the drone and our growing accessory product lines. As an intern you will work on real projects that have a visible impact on our products.

  • Design clear, simple APIs for complex infrastructure.

  • Evaluate the performance and reliability of our system middleware.

  • Work closely with other members of the Middleware team. 

  • Have a strong sense of ownership and autonomy over your work.

What makes you a good fit:

  • A junior, senior, or MS-level student, preferably having taken Computer Systems classes.

  • Experience with C++ and Python.

  • An understanding of concurrency – multi-threading, multi-processing, and how to handle race conditions.

  • Ability to write clean code with appropriate abstraction boundaries.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to debug complex issues and propose effective solutions.

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/

Key Skills
C++PythonConcurrencyMulti-threadingMulti-processingAPI DesignDebuggingAnalytical SkillsCommunicationCollaboration
Categories
SoftwareEngineeringTechnologyScience & Research