About the role#
As a System Test Automation Intern, you will help validate Zipline’s integrated system of systems, including the Zip, Droid, and Dock. You will work with the System Validation Team to ensure the performance, reliability, and safety of our hardware and software. This is a full-time, on-site internship for Summer 2027 based in South San Francisco.
What you'll do#
- Execute Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and flight tests to validate system interactions.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to build and refine automated testing pipelines.
- Design and improve tools to stress-test systems in off-nominal scenarios.
- Analyze and troubleshoot hardware and software issues uncovered during testing.
- Develop and enhance scripts and tools to support automated testing workflows.
- Design and execute system-level validation plans.
What you'll need#
- Completed at least two years of undergraduate studies (Master's and PhD students are also eligible).
- Strong understanding of engineering design fundamentals.
- Experience writing Rust or Python scripts.
- Hands-on experience writing Python tests using Pytest or Unittest.
- Familiarity with version control tools like Git.
- Ability to triage and identify root causes of technical issues.
- General understanding of electrical systems, including motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computers.
- Experience working in a Linux environment and using command-line tools.
- Familiarity with networking concepts like RPC or sockets, CI tools like GitHub Actions or Buildkite, and task tracking tools like Jira.
- Relevant coursework in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, Physics, or Industrial Engineering.
Location & details#
- Location: South San Francisco, California.
- Term: Summer 2027 (May/June to August/September).
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- 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.
