Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Mechanical

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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios and beyond.

About the role:

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern you’ll support the ramp of new and existing product assemblies by designing fixtures, writing and validating work instructions, piloting assembly processes, and driving small-scale improvements that scale to full production. Example projects:

How you'll make an impact (example projects below):

• Create assembly work instructions (WI) for a new sub-assembly and/or station

  Deliverables: clear step-by-step WI with photos/diagrams, torque/spec callouts, inline quality checks, cycle-time estimate, and operator training checklist.
  

• Design and prototype an assembly fixture / jig

  Deliverables: CAD models (Catia or Fusion360), BOM, 3D-printed or machined prototype, fixture validation plan, and measurement of repeatability.

• Execute a quick lean improvement (5S/Kaizen)

  Deliverables: current state map, proposed changes, before/after cycle time or defect metrics, and a rollout plan.

• Evaluate and execute equipment and station updates

  Deliverables: future state equipment list, budget and lead time estimates, coordinating installation, validating equipment reliability
  

What makes you a good fit:

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring hands-on build experience, strong practical problem solving, and an appetite for iterative improvement. Examples of what we look for:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related technical field.

• Comfortable with hands-on assembly work — basic soldering, harness routing, use of torque drivers, hand tools, and small assembly tools.

• CAD experience (Fusion360 or Catia or similar) with the ability to produce simple fixture concepts and mechanical drawings.

• Experience or coursework in GD&T, BOMs, and reading engineering drawings.

• Familiarity with prototyping methods (3D printing, machining, laser cutting) and a willingness to use the machine shop.

• Basic understanding of lean manufacturing concepts (5S, Kaizen, SMED) and data collection (SPC, simple DOE).

• Strong attention to detail, documentation mindset (clear WI), and quality orientation.

• Good communicator: able to work across mechanical, electrical, quality, and supply chain teams.

• Self-starter who learns quickly, iterates on prototypes, and is comfortable with ambiguity in early stage product builds.

• Able to stand for periods of time and handle light lifting (typical workshop/assembly duties).
  

Nice to have (not required): prior fixture design experience, FlexSim or other line simulation software exposure, experience with inspection equipment, or previous internship experience in a manufacturing environment.

Compensation Range: The hourly base salary range for this position is $47/hr for Undergrad, $53/hr for Graduate students, and $58 for PhD students*. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. In addition to base salary, Skydio full-time employees are eligible to enroll in our benefit plans and take advantage of a variety of incentives and stipends.

*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/