Product Management Intern

About the role

This internship position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping Skydio's innovative drone platforms, controllers, cameras, and accessories. As a product management intern, you will work closely with both customers and engineering teams to contribute to the development and refinement of products that are used in critical sectors such as public safety, national security, and utility services. The role provides hands-on experience in managing hardware and software products, influencing key decisions, and helping to bring new products from concept to shipment. It is an excellent chance for someone interested in hardware and software integration, product lifecycle management, and working in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will gain exposure to cross-disciplinary collaboration, learn about the hardware and software aspects of drone technology, and develop skills that are essential for a future career in product management within the tech and robotics industries.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and specify features for current and future hardware products, including drones, controllers, and cameras, directly impacting the products that are shipped to customers.
• Engage with customers to understand their needs, challenges, and feedback, then translate this information into actionable insights for product development.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering, design, and marketing, to guide project execution and ensure alignment with product goals.
• Use customer experiences and usage data to inform decisions about product features, improvements, and new developments.
• Develop detailed product requirement documents covering vehicle hardware, controllers, cameras, sensors, and embedded software components.
• Partner with design and engineering leaders across various disciplines such as hardware, firmware, computer vision, AI, and machine learning to complete projects scheduled for or after the internship period.
• Gather and document customer feedback to prioritize features, identify pain points, and guide future product iterations.
• Work closely with sales and customer success teams to build strong customer relationships, understand their operational needs, and ensure their success with Skydio products.
• Collaborate with product marketing teams to develop launch plans, positioning strategies, and messaging that effectively communicate product value to target audiences.
• Partner with the Go To Market Strategy team to assist in demand forecasting, setting product pricing, and planning market entry strategies.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings, contribute to project timelines, and help coordinate efforts across teams to meet product release deadlines.
• Gain practical experience in hardware and software product management, understanding the full product lifecycle from conception to delivery.

Requirements

• Demonstrated high ownership and initiative, especially in fast-paced, dynamic work environments.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze information quickly and make informed decisions.
• Fast learner with the ability to process complex data and adapt to new challenges efficiently.
• A team-oriented mindset, willing to take on various tasks and collaborate across disciplines to achieve shared goals.
• Strong spatial reasoning and mechanical reasoning skills, with an interest in hardware and physical systems.
• Eagerness to gain first-hand field experience working with drones and related hardware products.
• Good risk management instincts, with comfort making decisions based on incomplete or evolving information.
• Solid business acumen, with the ability to approach problems from both technical and commercial perspectives.
• FAA Part 107 certification is encouraged within 60 days of employment, supporting safe operation and regulatory compliance.

Nice to have

• Background or coursework in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science.
• Pursuing or holding an advanced degree such as an MBA or similar business-focused program.
• Prior experience or familiarity with aviation, drone operations, or related fields.
• Knowledge of IoT (Internet of Things) devices or networked systems.
• Experience working in law enforcement, national security, or electrical utility sectors.
• Exposure to enterprise or professional robotics and drone systems.
• Engineering experience that facilitates technical discussions and understanding of hardware/software integration.

Skills & tools

• Product management methodologies and best practices
• Hardware development processes and considerations
• Embedded software development and integration
• Customer engagement and communication strategies
• Creating and maintaining detailed product requirement documents
• Managing project timelines and deliverables
• Conducting market analysis and competitive research
• Risk assessment and management techniques

Practical notes

• Compensation varies based on individual skill levels, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and prior experience.
• Full-time employees at Skydio are eligible for benefits and incentives, supporting their well-being and professional growth.
• Skydio participates in E-Verify, ensuring employment eligibility in the United States.
• This internship is designed for students or recent graduates interested in hardware and software product management within the drone and robotics industry.
• The role requires onsite presence at the San Mateo office, with no remote work options specified.