Prototyping & Test Intern

Job Description

About Zipline

Zipline is dedicated to transforming global logistics by building the first instant logistics system designed to provide equitable access for all humans. Their mission is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges. They leverage expertise in robotics and autonomy to design, build, and operate a fleet of cutting-edge, autonomous delivery drones, currently serving tens of millions of people worldwide.

The company’s Emerging Talent program offers internships where participants are expected to contribute meaningfully to Zipline’s mission of providing equitable access to critical healthcare supplies. Internships are designed for interns to take on significant work that actively moves the company’s goals forward, while also learning real-world skills valuable for their long-term careers. Zipline emphasizes that interns will be building the future of logistics alongside a team of dedicated individuals.

About the Job: Prototyping & Test Intern

Zipline is seeking a Prototyping & Test Intern to join its CTO team. This team is responsible for exploring and validating advanced technologies that will define Zipline’s future. The role offers hands-on experience in building, assembling, and testing prototypes, as well as supporting structured test campaigns to evaluate the performance and reliability of new technologies.

As an intern in this role, you will work closely with senior engineers on early-stage concepts. Your contributions will directly influence design iterations and accelerate the development of new technologies, providing a unique opportunity to shape the future of Zipline’s logistics system.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and Modify Hardware: You will be responsible for building, assembling, and modifying prototype hardware using a variety of tools and fabrication methods, including 3D printing, machining, soldering, and wiring.
• Conduct Tests: Support the design of experiments and execute both structured and ad-hoc tests on prototypes to gather critical data.
• Troubleshoot and Improve: Identify and troubleshoot hardware issues, and propose creative fixes or suggest design improvements based on your findings.
• Set Up Equipment: Prepare and set up test rigs, fixtures, and various measurement equipment required for testing.
• Document Findings: Clearly and effectively document and share test findings and results with the team.
• Collaborate on Design: Work in close collaboration with engineers to rapidly iterate on designs based on test outcomes and feedback.

What You’ll Bring:

• Education: You must currently be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a closely related technical field.
• Hands-on Skills: Demonstrated strong hands-on prototyping and tinkering skills, which could have been gained through school labs, personal projects, makerspaces, robotics clubs, or general home building and experimentation.
• Tool Proficiency: Comfort and familiarity with using a range of hand tools, power tools, and standard lab equipment.
• Personal Attributes: A strong sense of curiosity and resourcefulness, coupled with an ability to figure things out through practical experimentation.

What Else You Need to Know:

• Internship Structure: These are full-time, in-person internship positions.
• Location: The internship will be conducted at Zipline’s office located in South San Francisco.
• Duration: The Fall 2025 internship cohort will run from September to December.
• Compensation: The starting cash range for this role is $38 – $42 per hour. The final pay will be determined by factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and working location. The total compensation package may also include overtime pay, commuter benefits, and paid sick time.
• Inclusivity: Zipline is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and prohibits discrimination based on various characteristics. They value diversity and encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in tech. The company is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the interview process.