PIXIS - 2026 Summer Internship - UAV Technology & Systems Intern

The UAV Technology & Systems Intern will support research and development efforts focused on drone and uncrewed aerial systems technology. The internship is ideal for a student enrolled in a UAV/UAS, Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, Aeronautical Engineering, Robotics, or Drone Technology program who wants to apply academic knowledge in a real-world R&D context.

Requirements

• Research emerging UAV technologies (control systems, sensors, autonomy, swarm coordination, propulsion, payload integration, etc.)
• Evaluate new hardware/software innovations relevant to drone light shows and beyond
• Summarize findings in clear technical briefs for engineering and leadership review
• Support documentation of UAV subsystems, architecture, and integration workflows
• Assist with mapping how commercial and custom drone hardware interacts with Pixis software and show systems
• Compare technologies for scalability, performance, cost, and FAA compliance
• Assist engineers with basic prototype testing, data capture, and system performance analysis
• Help design test plans for new sensory or navigation capabilities
• Support iterative evaluation of autonomous algorithms and operational logic
• Work with engineering, operations, and creative teams to understand how systems knowledge informs show design and delivery
• Participate in internal tech discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and strategy meetings
• Shadow senior engineers and UAV technologists in project reviews and vendor evaluations

Benefits

• $15/h Enrolled in an Undergrad program
• $16.50/h for completing an Undergrad program, but not starting a Graduate program
• $18/h enrolled in or obtained Graduate degree