System Validation & Automation Intern (Summer 2026)

About Zipline

Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building the first instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. Leveraging expertise in robotics and autonomy, Zipline designs, builds, and operates a fleet of cutting edge, autonomous delivery drones. We serve tens of millions of people around the world.

Joining Zipline’s Emerging Talent program as an intern is an opportunity to contribute to our promise of building a system that provides equitable access to critical healthcare supplies for millions of people. We believe that internships are more than just opportunities to learn by watching or doing low level tasks. We expect our interns to take on meaningful work that actively contributes to moving Zipline’s mission forward, while learning real-world skills that will serve them in their careers for the long term.

Join us, and build the future of logistics with the best humans around!

About the System Validation & Automation Team

The System Validation Team ensures the performance, reliability, and safety of Zipline’s integrated system of systems, including the Zip, Droid, and Dock. We specialize in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, enabling us to validate complex interactions across hardware and software before real-world deployment. Our team builds and maintains automated pipelines that rigorously test software in a simulated environment, ensuring it meets high standards before being tested in flight. By catching potential issues early and refining system behavior, we play a critical role in delivering reliable, safe, and efficient solutions that power Zipline’s mission to transform global logistics. Our team owns automation of flight testing as well to capture issues before it happens in commercial flights.

The Role

As a System Validation Intern, you will contribute to testing and validating Zipline’s complete system of systems—spanning the Zip, Droid, and Dock. You’ll help build and refine automated testing pipelines, ensuring that software meets rigorous quality standards before being tested in flight. Working closely with a supportive and experienced team, you’ll develop hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies while solving meaningful challenges. Your work will play an essential role in ensuring the reliability of systems that deliver life-saving goods worldwide. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

• Assist in executing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests and flight tests to validate the interaction between Zipline’s Zip, Droid, and Dock systems.

• Collaborate with a wide range of engineers from different teams to build and refine automated pipelines that test software before it is deployed in flight.

• Analyze and troubleshoot hardware and software issues uncovered during testing, contributing to system improvements.

• Gain hands-on experience with testing equipment, such as multimeters and oscilloscopes, to validate hardware performance.

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team to design and execute system-level validation plans.

• Develop and enhance scripts and tools to support automated testing workflows.

• Learn how to ensure reliability and quality in complex, safety-critical systems, gaining valuable insights into real-world engineering challenges.

What You'll Bring

• Strong understanding of engineering design fundamentals and the ability to triage and identify root causes of technical issues.

• Experience writing Python scripts to automate tasks or tests, either through coursework or personal projects.

• Hands-on experience writing Python tests using tools like Pytest or Unittest.

• Familiarity with creating and executing test plans or validation plans for software or hardware systems.

• A hands-on approach to problem-solving, including debugging and triaging technical issues.

• General understanding of electrical systems such as motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computers.

• Experience working in a Linux environment, including using command-line tools effectively.

• Familiarity with tools like Git for version control, bazel for build and test management and Jira for task tracking.

• Basic understanding of networking concepts such as RPC or sockets.

• Experience working with CI tools like GitHub Actions, Buildkite, or similar.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to document test results and track issues effectively.

• A collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate and work effectively in a team environment.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience in Robotics/Automation: Prior exposure to robotics systems, automation, or sensor data (through coursework, projects, or clubs) is a plus.

• Software Development: Exposure to object-oriented programming (e.g., C++ or Java) is a bonus.

• Cloud Computing/Big Data Tools: Familiarity with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure) or big data tools (Spark, Hadoop) is helpful but not required.

What Else You Should Know

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office. We will host our Summer 2026 interns from May or June to August.

Candidates are limited to three (3) applications within a 30-day period.

The starting cash range for this internship is $40 - 44/ hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and working location. The total compensation package for each role may also include: a housing stipend; overtime pay; relocation support; paid sick time; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

Zipline is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your point of contact at Zipline know if you require any accommodations throughout your interview process.