Middleware Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Skydio
San Mateo, CA
Hybrid

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Skydio filed 2 H-1B positions titled "Autonomy Software Engineer". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

Computer systems students with C++ and Python experience will find this collaborative, cross-functional role in middleware development for autonomous drones.

Best fit for

  • Students with a background in computer systems and a passion for autonomous drone infrastructure
    — “The Device Platform - Middleware team is responsible for the foundational infrastructure that underlies Skydio devices.”
  • Candidates with strong concurrency knowledge and clean code practices
    — “An understanding of concurrency – multi-threading, multi-processing, and how to handle race conditions.”
  • Individuals who thrive in cross-functional environments and take ownership of their work
    — “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.”

Things to consider

  • Compensation varies by educational level and regional location
    — “Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with API design and cross-functional collaboration in your resume
    — “Design clear, simple APIs for complex infrastructure.”
  • Showcase your ability to debug complex systems and solve analytical problems
    — “Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to debug complex issues and propose effective solutions.”
  • Emphasize your autonomy and ownership of projects in your interview responses
    — “Have a strong sense of ownership and autonomy over your work.”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with inter-process communication and event loops in your application materials
    — “The software we write and maintain sits between the kernel and application layers... and the event loop.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • developing and implementing software for autonomous drones
  • designing clear APIs for complex infrastructure
  • evaluating system performance and reliability
Typical background
junior, senior, or MS-level studentexperience with C++ and Python

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonConcurrencyAbility To Write Clean CodeExcellent Communication And Collaboration Skills

Preferred

Experience With Multi-threading And Multi-processingAbility To Handle Race Conditions

Stack & domain

C++PythonConcurrencyMulti-threadingMulti-processingRace ConditionsSoftware DevelopmentAPI DesignProblem SolvingAnalytical SkillsCommunicationCollaborationSoftware EngineeringMiddleware

About the role

Original posting from Skydio via Ashby

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 https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

About the role:

We are looking for interns for the Summer 2027 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 $70 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/

Source: Skydio careers (Ashby)

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