Middleware Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Skydio is hiring a Middleware Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027 in San Mateo, CA. When: Summer 2027. Pay stated by the employer: $47-$53/hr. Posted November 10, 2026. Checked against the employer's posting on November 12, 2026.

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.

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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/