About Pyka
Pyka's goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation. To get there, we're taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems. We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes. Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries. What you work on at Pyka makes people's lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for an Electrical Engineering Intern to support our Electrical Engineering team in the design, testing, and validation of aircraft subsystems. This is a hands-on, in-person internship ideal for students who want exposure to real-world power electronics, embedded systems, and aviation hardware. You'll work under the guidance of senior engineers and contribute to active development programs. The scope of work will vary week to week, giving you broad exposure across hardware design, testing, and system integration.
Please note: This is currently an Early Interest Application. We are not yet beginning the formal interview process for our 2027 cohorts. By submitting your profile now, you are ensuring your information is in our system for review and updates regarding the specific 2027 internship opportunities. Formal interviews and role-specific outreach will begin October 2026.
What you'll work on
Depending on project timing and your interests, you may support work on:
- High-power motor controller systems (30kW–100kW)
- Aircraft electronics for pumps, spray systems, and sensors
- Avionics and air data boards
- Test PCBs and hardware fixtures to support validation and manufacturing
Responsibilities
- Assist with schematic capture and PCB layout for embedded and power electronics systems
- Support component selection and BOM creation under engineer supervision
- Help assemble, bring up, and test PCBs in the lab
- Run bench tests, collect data, and help analyze results
- Support debugging of electrical and embedded systems issues
- Assist with documentation including test procedures, results, and design notes
- Collaborate with Mechanical, Software, and Test teams during integration and testing
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- Coursework or project experience in: Embedded systems, Power electronics, motor control, or control systems
- Familiarity with basic electronics lab equipment (oscilloscope, power supply, multimeter)
- Exposure to C or C++ (coursework or personal projects is fine)
- Ability to work on-site in Alameda, CA
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with schematic capture or PCB layout tools (Altium, KiCad, Eagle, etc.)
- Exposure to motor control concepts (FOC, PWM, inverters—even at a conceptual level)
- Hands-on experience from student teams (Formula SAE, robotics, drones, solar car, etc.)
- Curiosity, strong problem-solving instincts, and a willingness to ask questions
We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don't need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we'd love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn't align perfectly with the list.
Compensation and Benefits
- $38-$43/hr pay. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly wage ranges are subject to change.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
- Visa sponsorship
Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items. Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.