Powertrain and Battery Mechatronics Intern

Job Description

About Zipline

Zipline is a company dedicated to transforming the way goods move globally, aiming to build the first instant logistics system that provides equitable access for all humans. They specialize in robotics and autonomy, designing, building, and operating a fleet of cutting-edge, autonomous delivery drones. These drones serve millions of people worldwide, primarily focusing on solving urgent and complex access challenges, such as delivering critical healthcare supplies.

Zipline’s Emerging Talent program offers internships that are designed to provide meaningful work opportunities. Interns are expected to actively contribute to the company’s mission and gain real-world skills, rather than merely observing or performing low-level tasks. The company emphasizes a mission-driven environment focused on speed, focus, and grit, and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

About The Job: Powertrain and Battery Mechatronics Intern

This internship is with the Powertrain Test Team, a critical sub-team within Zipline’s broader Powertrain organization. The Powertrain Test Team is responsible for ensuring the performance, reliability, and safety of the electric drivetrain that powers Zipline’s autonomous delivery drones. Their work involves designing and executing rigorous testing strategies for components like motors, propellers, batteries, and related systems. They operate at the intersection of hardware and software, validating systems under real-world conditions to ensure flawless drone performance in demanding environments, directly impacting Zipline’s mission to provide fast, dependable access to essential medical and commercial supplies globally.

As a Powertrain and Battery Mechatronics Intern, you will play a hands-on role in enhancing the performance and reliability of the power systems for Zipline’s drones. The core of this role involves mitigating technical risks by validating critical components and identifying areas for system robustness improvements, as system reliability directly impacts lives.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):

• Design, Build, and Test: Create, assemble, and operate electro-mechanical testers to verify the reliability of crucial components such as batteries, motors, and propellers.
• Test Setup & Execution: Design test setups to meet engineering specifications, involving interpreting test procedures and diagrams, instrumentation, data acquisition, and initial diagnostics and root cause analysis for test articles.
• CAD Design: Utilize 2D and 3D CAD tools for designing parts, assemblies, and fixtures based on sound engineering principles.
• Concept Development: Develop new concepts and evaluate technical tradeoffs using a first-principles approach.
• Prototyping: Creatively use resources to design, build, and test prototypes for rapid learning and iteration.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with other Zipline teams and suppliers to review designs and ensure alignment.
• Failure Analysis: Root cause system failures and then develop tests to replicate the identified failure modes.
• Documentation: Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of your work, making key decisions easily understandable to others.

What You’ll Bring (Required Skills and Qualifications):

• Hands-on Mechatronics Experience: Robust experience in designing and building multiple mechatronics systems outside of academic coursework. Examples provided include building submarines, solar cars, electric boats/airplanes, and rockets. This is highlighted as the most critical component of the application.
• Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles for sizing parts and integrating them into designs with minimal assistance.
• Automation Experience: Practical experience with actuators and microcontrollers like Raspberry Pis (or similar platforms).
• CAD Proficiency: Well-versed in CAD software, with experience designing multiple projects using it.
• Complex Project Experience: Prior involvement in projects that require integration of mechanical, electrical, and software design elements.
• Adaptability: Ability to quickly change direction upon realizing a mistake or identifying a simpler way to achieve a goal.
• Action-Oriented & Communicative: A bias towards action and consistent communication with your team to ensure project goals are met on time.
• Design Skills Development: Eagerness to enhance design skills through participation in brainstorms, design reviews, and failure mode analysis.
• Self-Management: Capability to anticipate, plan, and schedule your own work effectively.
• “Can Do” Attitude: A positive and proactive approach, with a strong investment in solving critical problems.

What Else You Need to Know (Logistics and Company Culture):

• Employment Type: Full-time internship position.
• Location: In-person at Zipline’s South San Francisco office.
• Duration: Fall 2025 interns will work from September to December.
• Compensation: The starting cash range for this role is $38 – $42 per hour. The final pay will depend on factors such as candidate 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 prohibiting discrimination. They value diversity and encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in tech. They also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the interview process.