About the role#
As a Real Estate & Development Intern, you will help expand the physical infrastructure that makes Zipline’s delivery system possible. You will support projects from early site identification through approvals and development, helping turn locations into operational sites that serve customers and communities. You will work alongside partners across Real Estate, Engineering, Operations, Government Affairs, and Communications to tackle challenges at the intersection of aviation, real estate, and technology.
What you'll do#
- Support market screening and site selection by evaluating zoning, land-use requirements, setbacks, utilities, easements, environmental conditions, and airspace considerations.
- Assess potential sites for feasibility and risk, identifying permitting hurdles, title issues, and infrastructure constraints.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to translate technical requirements into practical site criteria, scopes of work, site plans, and permit-ready materials.
- Work with city planners, zoning officials, building departments, and external consultants to learn approval processes.
- Coordinate with landlords, brokers, and real estate partners to evaluate site readiness and support negotiations.
- Prepare comparative site analyses, deal memos, and recommendation summaries to support investment decisions.
- Maintain timelines, budget estimates, and entitlement trackers to ensure projects stay on schedule.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in real estate, urban planning, engineering, construction management, architecture, geography, environmental studies, business, public policy, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in real estate development, site acquisition, infrastructure, permitting, or the built environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to evaluate information from multiple sources.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working with cross-functional teammates, consultants, and public-agency stakeholders.
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and follow through on deadlines.
- Comfort learning new tools and working with maps, spreadsheets, plans, schedules, and project documentation.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship based on-site in South San Francisco, California.
- The program takes place during Summer 2027, running from May/June to August/September.
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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