Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Skydio
San Mateo, CA
HybridCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with industrial engineering or manufacturing experience working in autonomous drone production.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with industrial engineering or manufacturing engineering backgrounds and a focus on process optimization
    — “Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.”
  • Individuals who enjoy collaborative problem-solving and working with production operators and technicians
    — “Work directly with production operators and technicians to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and implement practical solutions.”
  • Students with a strong interest in Lean Manufacturing and data-driven process improvements
    — “Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, waste reduction, and process standardization.”

Things to consider

  • Compensation varies significantly based on academic level and proficiencies
    — “Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with time study techniques and data analysis tools like Excel or Python
    — “Familiarity with time study techniques, predetermined motion time systems such as MOST or MODAPTS, or work measurement principles is a plus.”
  • Showcase hands-on experience with CAD software for layout and design improvements
    — “Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks is a plus.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • support development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes
  • conduct time studies and analyze manufacturing cycle times
  • develop and maintain standard work instructions
  • support production capacity studies
  • collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams
Typical background
industrial engineeringmanufacturing engineeringmechanical engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Manufacturing ProcessesIndustrial Engineering PrinciplesContinuous Improvement MethodologiesTime Study TechniquesWork Measurement PrinciplesAnalytical SkillsProblem-solving SkillsData AnalysisMicrosoft Excel

Preferred

PythonSQLPower BILean Manufacturing ConceptsStandard WorkLine BalancingCapacity Analysis

Stack & domain

Manufacturing ProcessesIndustrial Engineering PrinciplesContinuous Improvement MethodologiesTime Study TechniquesPredetermined Motion Time Systems (most Or Modapts)Work Measurement PrinciplesMicrosoft ExcelPythonSQLPower BILean ManufacturingStandard WorkLine BalancingCapacity AnalysisAnalytical And Problem-solving SkillsData CollectionProcess TrialsValidation Of ImprovementsTroubleshooting Manufacturing ChallengesManufacturingProduction EfficiencyQualityOperational Scalability

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 seeking a motivated and hands-on Process Engineering Intern to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for our current and next generation of autonomous products. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to improve production efficiency, optimize manufacturing processes, and support new product introductions. Your contributions will help drive quality, productivity, and operational scalability across our manufacturing operations.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT:

  • Support the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to improve production efficiency, quality, and operator ergonomics.
  • Conduct time studies and analyze manufacturing cycle times to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and improve labor efficiency.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining standard work instructions, process documentation, and visual manufacturing aids.
  • Support production capacity studies, line balancing, and labor modeling to identify opportunities for throughput improvements.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams to support new product introductions (NPI) and production ramp activities.
  • Analyze production performance data, including cycle times, downtime, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Assist with production line layouts, workstation design, and material flow improvements to optimize space utilization and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, waste reduction, and process standardization.
  • Support engineering projects from planning through implementation, including data collection, process trials, and validation of improvements.
  • Work directly with production operators and technicians to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and implement practical solutions.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD FIT:

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial engineering principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Familiarity with time study techniques, predetermined motion time systems such as MOST or MODAPTS, or work measurement principles is a plus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar data analysis tools; experience with Python, SQL, or Power BI is a plus.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing concepts, standard work, line balancing, or capacity analysis is a plus.
  • Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks is a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills with an eagerness to learn from engineers, technicians, and production operators.
  • Enthusiasm for hands-on engineering, manufacturing operations, and developing creative solutions to real-world challenges.

Compensation Range: The hourly rate for this position is $41/hr for Undergrad, $47/hr for Graduate students, and $53/hr for PhD students*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Interns are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s 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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