About the role#
As an Aerodynamics Intern, you will join the team responsible for the aerodynamic performance of our aircraft. You will work on projects alongside our engineers, applying your academic knowledge to real-world design challenges. This role involves using a variety of tools, from low-fidelity calculations to computational fluid dynamics and experimental analysis, to support the development of our current and future drone systems.
What you'll do#
- Perform vehicle design analysis, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and power system performance.
- Develop low- and high-fidelity analytical models of vehicle subsystems.
- Generate aerodynamic databases and analyze flight behaviors.
- Plan and execute experiments, including wind tunnel and flight testing.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineering, to resolve design challenges.
What you'll need#
- Current studies in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Environmental Engineering.
- Focus on fluid mechanics, aeronautics, or flight physics.
- Strong understanding of flight physics and engineering principles.
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics tools, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW.
- Familiarity with MATLAB or Python.
- Knowledge of wind tunnel testing, data analysis, and flight test planning.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site internship based in South San Francisco, California.
- The term is for Summer 2027.
- This position is paid.
About Zipline
Zipline operates an automated delivery system using robotics and autonomous technology. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on logistics for healthcare and retail sectors. It maintains a global presence with operations in countries including Rwanda and Ghana, alongside services in the United States. The organization is based in South San Francisco and employs nearly 1,900 people.
How to get in at Zipline
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