Hardware Test & Reliability Intern

About the role

We are seeking Fall 2026 interns or Co-ops to join our Hardware Test & Reliability Team at Skydio. This internship provides an exciting opportunity to work on autonomous flying machines that integrate advanced electronics hardware and real-time AI software. The role involves supporting the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and establishing testing infrastructure to enable rapid design iterations and ensure robust product validation. As part of the team, you will contribute to delivering innovative drone solutions that serve a broad range of consumer and commercial applications. The position is ideal for motivated students interested in hardware testing, reliability engineering, and autonomous systems, offering hands-on experience in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and develop hardware and software systems to perform comprehensive performance and reliability testing of autonomous drone products across various use cases.
• Implement test plans that include environmental, stress, and accelerated life testing methods to assess product durability and reliability.
• Develop and maintain testing infrastructure, including automation scripts and data collection tools, to streamline validation processes and enable rapid feedback for design improvements.
• Analyze large datasets generated from testing activities, perform statistical evaluations, and document results meticulously to identify trends and potential failure modes.
• Conduct failure analysis to determine root causes of hardware or software issues, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Participate actively in design reviews, providing reliability and testing insights to help mitigate risks early in the product development lifecycle.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software failures during testing, applying systematic problem-solving techniques to identify issues and recommend solutions.
• Support the creation of detailed testing procedures, protocols, and reports, ensuring clarity and reproducibility of test results.
• Assist in the development of test automation frameworks to improve efficiency and accuracy of validation activities.
• Contribute to cross-functional team efforts to enhance overall product quality, reliability, and performance.
• Stay informed about best practices in hardware testing, reliability assessment, and failure analysis, applying this knowledge to improve testing methodologies.
• Communicate findings effectively to team members and stakeholders, providing clear documentation and technical insights to inform design decisions.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program related to engineering, electronics, computer science, or a similar technical field.
• Experience with Python or other programming languages used for test automation, data analysis, and visualization.
• Familiarity with testing equipment and methods, including environmental chambers, stress testing, and accelerated life testing techniques.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, perform statistical evaluations, and identify meaningful trends.
• Knowledge of hardware troubleshooting, failure analysis, and root cause investigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of documenting procedures, results, and technical insights clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating across disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to identifying issues and developing solutions.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn about autonomous systems, hardware reliability, and testing methodologies.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple testing activities simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and contribute proactively to team goals.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with hardware debugging, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Knowledge of electronics, sensors, embedded systems, and related hardware components.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations and security protocols relevant to hardware development.
• Previous internship or project experience in hardware testing, reliability engineering, or related fields.
• Exposure to automation tools and scripting beyond Python, such as Bash, PowerShell, or other automation frameworks.
• Understanding of autonomous systems, drone technology, or similar robotics applications.
• Experience working with testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, environmental chambers, or stress testers.
• Knowledge of software development practices, version control, and continuous integration as they relate to testing automation.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Python programming for automation, data analysis, and visualization.
• Familiarity with testing equipment, environmental chambers, and stress testing methodologies.
• Ability to analyze large datasets, perform statistical evaluations, and generate reports.
• Hardware troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing electrical and mechanical issues.
• Basic understanding of electronics, sensors, embedded systems, and related hardware components.
• Knowledge of failure analysis techniques and root cause investigation.
• Experience with automation frameworks and scripting languages beyond Python is a plus.

Practical notes

• This internship is on-site in San Mateo, California, and requires physical presence at the office.
• The position is targeted for Fall 2026, with a start date around September or October.
• Compensation for this internship is $47 per hour for undergraduate students, $53 per hour for graduate students, and $58 per hour for PhD students.
• The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and quality engineers.
• The internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in hardware testing, reliability, and autonomous drone development.
• Skydio values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
• The company emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, and customer obsession in its approach to developing autonomous systems.
• Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a systematic approach to problem-solving, strong communication skills, and a passion for hardware reliability and testing.