Field Systems Engineer Intern

Job Description

About Zipline

Zipline is an instant logistics company with a mission to transform how goods move globally, aiming to solve urgent and complex access challenges by building a system that serves all humans equally. They achieve this by leveraging 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. Zipline’s Emerging Talent program offers internships where individuals contribute meaningfully to providing equitable access to critical healthcare supplies, focusing on real-world skills and impactful work rather than low-level tasks.

About the Job: Field Systems Engineering Intern

This internship is for a Field Systems Engineer within the Operations Engineering team, specifically focusing on the Field Systems Engineering Team. This team acts as a crucial link between the Engineering and Operations organizations, ensuring that Zipline’s designed equipment is usable, maintainable, and durable. Their primary goal is to support flight and fulfillment operators by ensuring the effective use of hardware and software systems seven days a week.

About The Role:
As a Field Systems Engineer, the intern will directly influence a wide range of engineering challenges that arise from real-world, fast-paced operations. The main objective is to maintain and enhance the tools, processes, and procedures for effective Platform 2 operations, covering both flight testing and commercial use. This role offers significant independence to manage projects from initial concept to completion, including setting timelines, leading stakeholder meetings, collaborating across teams, and demonstrating business value. It involves travel to test sites for firsthand understanding of issues to inform solution development and validation. Beyond this, the intern will refine repair processes and maintenance procedures within technical manuals, working with various teams to ensure clarity, accuracy, and operational alignment, ultimately optimizing maintenance efforts and boosting system dependability. The role is suited for those drawn to a highly collaborative environment, tackling intricate problems, and driving continuous improvements.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):
• Contribute to the development, testing, and deployment of system improvements for the Platform 2 system, supporting Flight Test and Commercial Operations.
• Perform mechanical and electrical design work to create new or improve existing tools and fixtures for flight maintenance operations.
• Evaluate and streamline existing processes and policies to remove operational blockers and increase team efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and update technical documentation for aircraft and ground infrastructure, refining maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
• Analyze repair and work order data (e.g., frequency, MTBF, location trends) using tools like SQL and Python to inform root cause and corrective action (RCCA) initiatives.
• Address complex engineering problems in a fast-paced environment, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Travel to flight test sites to work directly with operations teams, validate system changes, and define key performance metrics for measuring implementation success.

What You’ll Bring (Required Skills & Qualifications):
• Proficiency in mechanical/electrical design, prototyping, and CAD; experience in industrializing for mass manufacturing/DFM is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical information into clear, repeatable instructions.
• Proficiency in Linux, log analysis, and troubleshooting hardware and software systems.
• Experience in data analysis using SQL, Snowflake, and Python to gain insights from diverse data warehouses.
• Experience in reliability analysis and proficiency in root cause analysis at both system and component levels.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills, including creating timelines, leading meetings, and providing cross-functional updates.
• Willingness to travel to test sites for hands-on development and testing.
• A problem-solving approach with a drive for continuous improvement in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
• Self-directed with the ability to independently manage tasks.
• Motivated by supporting others and resolving operational challenges.
• Eager to learn and grow through building strong relationships with operations and engineering teams.
• Possesses the grit, resourcefulness, and resilience to succeed in evolving business and regulatory landscapes.

What Else You Need to Know:
• Duration: Full-time position, in-person. The Fall 2025 internship runs from September to December.
• Location: South San Francisco office.
• Compensation: The starting cash range for this role is $35 – $39 per hour. Final pay depends on experience, qualifications, skills, and working location. The total compensation package may also include overtime pay, commuter benefits, and paid sick time.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Zipline is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, and welcomes applications from those traditionally underrepresented in tech. They provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.