Payload 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.

You 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

• Prepare mission parameters and payload configurations

• Test our config to be sure we acquire all data we need

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)

• Technical assessment

• Video interview with our Head of Data Louis (30 min)

• On-site meeting with the team (40 min)

Location:

• Office : Base 217, Brétigny-sur-Orge, accessible via RER C.

• Lab and Warehouse access