HyLightPayload Operator & Embedded Data Analyst - internship
About HyLight:
HyLight’s mission is to help society become more resilient to climate change by improving the observation and inspection of infrastructure.
We build HyLighters, airships that collect data across vast distances with zero emissions.
Our activities include:
Detecting methane leaks from gas infrastructures (4% of global GHG emissions)
Inspecting power lines to prevent outages and wildfires
By 2030, we aim to become the global leader in aerial monitoring.
In just 3 years, we have pushed the realm of possibilities: as we have:
Developed 8 iterations of the HyLighter
Logged over 300 flight hours
Secured our first inspection contracts with Europe’s largest infrastructure operators
Joined the world’s top startup accelerator, Y Combinator
Raised €6 millions
HyLight is aiming for a diverse and included team, if your profile doesn't fit all the description but you can bring a diverse point of view, push it forward, it will be highly appreciated.
Job Summary:
This internship is at the core of our operations.
The objective is to take ownership of the full operational payload workflow, from mission preparation to client delivery, while contributing to the continuous improvement of payload systems and data pipelines based on real operational feedback.
The intern will be involved in all operational phases of an inspection mission : mission planning, remote payload operations, data analysis, and client reporting and will use this hands-on experience to support the payload and data development roadmap.
The Mission:
End-to-End Operational Scope
Operations Preparation
Design flight trajectories and waypoints according to flight corridors, infrastructure constraints, and inspection objectives
Prepare mission parameters and payload configurations
Anticipate operational risks and data coverage constraints
Live Payload Operations
Operate payloads remotely from the control room during live missions
Control gimbal and sensors in real time
Ensure data capture quality (LiDAR and imagery) throughout the mission
Data Analysis & Validation
Process LiDAR point clouds, imagery, methane sensing
Analyze collected data to identify defects or points of interest
Validate data completeness and consistency
Client Delivery
Prepare structured inspection reports and deliverables
Ensure data quality meets client and internal standards
Continuous Improvement & Roadmap Contribution
Improve flight preparation methods, payload presets, and operating procedures
Support Lead Payload and Lead Data on embedded systems and data workflow optimization
Contribute to tooling, documentation, or automation aligned with the development roadmap
Profile Sought:
Education:
Currently enrolled in an engineering school (4th or 5th year), or a final-year Licence / Bachelor in relevant backgrounds include embedded systems, computer science, mechatronics, robotics, applied physics, aerospace, or similar disciplines.
The following list of skills is exhaustive, while you may not perfectly fit with the profile, we highly value personal growth and development. We see our interns as potential future team leads at HyLight.
Technical Skills:
This is an exhaustive list of sought after skills, if you have
Microcontrollers: ESP32, Atmega328
Communication Protocols: UART, CAN, I2C, PWM, SPI, RS485
Programming languages: C/C++, Python
Electronics: PCB design, power electronics, electronic system sizing
Soft Skills:
Autonomous and reliable
Strong sense of responsibility during live operations
Interest in the drone industry
Curious, eager to learn, enjoy building and creating
Languages: English & French
Bonus Qualities:
Strong analytical and synthesizing mindset
Proactive in proposing innovative technological building blocks
Capable of estimating and communicating progress, meeting development timelines while anticipating challenges
Prior personal or academic projects (link them in your CV!)
What We Offer:
Real responsibility and mentorship with the Ops, Tech and Regulatory teams
100% reimbursement of public transport pass (Navigo) or €800/year for sustainable commuting
Bike provided for commuting
Free lunch
Bi-annual offsite trips with the whole team
Excellent work environment: international team, team events, beautiful offices on a former airbase
Interview Process:
Introductory phone call (20 min)
Video interview with our CTO Josef (40 min)
Technical test
On-site meeting with the team (40 min)
Location:
Office : Base 217, Brétigny-sur-Orge, accessible via RER C.
Lab and Warehouse access