About the role#
As a Real Estate 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 promising locations into operational sites. You will tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of aviation, real estate, technology, and the built environment. You will work alongside partners across Engineering, Operations, Government Affairs, and Communications.
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, including identifying permitting hurdles, title issues, and infrastructure constraints.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to translate technical requirements into practical site criteria and permit-ready materials.
- Work with city planners, zoning officials, building departments, and external consultants to navigate local 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 help teams make informed decisions.
- Maintain timelines, budget estimates, and entitlement trackers while preparing handoff packages for downstream teams.
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, or permitting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate information from multiple sources and form clear recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with cross-functional teammates, consultants, and public-agency stakeholders.
- Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
- Comfort learning new tools and working with maps, spreadsheets, plans, schedules, and project documentation.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site internship based in South San Francisco, California.
- The term for this role is Winter 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
Applying early at Zipline gives you a distinct advantage before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in front of the team before the pile grows. It is a simple way to stay ahead of the curve when you are tracking multiple openings. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct approach often works better than waiting for a response from a general queue.
