About the role#
Zipline aircraft rely on embedded firmware to execute flight and safety functions across a network of microcontrollers. As a Firmware Engineer Intern, you will own C++ firmware and supporting tools critical to the operation of these systems. You will work alongside electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to turn flight data and hardware behavior into maintainable software for aircraft deployed globally.
What you'll do#
- Design and build C++ firmware for a distributed system of aircraft microcontrollers.
- Develop reliable communication interfaces including Ethernet and serial.
- Define platform-level interfaces and reusable firmware components for various aircraft subsystems.
- Ensure predictable performance of microcontroller systems and communication buses during startup, real-time operation, and fault recovery.
- Optimize real-time behavior, including CPU utilization, memory usage, scheduling latency, timing jitter, and resource contention.
- Create metrics, monitoring, and troubleshooting tools to prepare systems for field deployment at scale.
- Build Rust-based tooling and software-in-the-loop simulations to test and validate firmware.
What you'll need#
- Prior experience through internships or design teams.
- Proficiency in writing C or C++.
- Excellent grades in embedded systems coursework.
- Interest in firmware, real-time systems, and Zipline's mission.
- Rising seniors are preferred for this role.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site internship based in South San Francisco, California.
- The term is for Summer 2027.
- Candidates must be available to work on-site five days per week.
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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