Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Zipline
Long Range Platform
$125-210k
3-4 days a week in office (South San Francisco, CA)
Transforming the way goods move
Be an early applicant
Transforming the way goods move
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
$125-210k
3-4 days a week in office (South San Francisco, CA)
1001+ employees
Company mission
To build the world's first logistics system that serves all people equally.
Role
Who you are
- You are a strong software engineer first, with deep curiosity about how systems behave in the real world
- You are comfortable working across a range of platforms, whether that means writing low-level firmware, developing within an RTOS, or building software for embedded Linux systems
- You enjoy debugging difficult issues, especially at the boundary between software, hardware, and system behavior, and you bring a thoughtful, methodical approach to getting to the root cause
- This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment
- You are energized by ambiguity, eager to learn new domains quickly, and willing to jump in where needed to help the team move faster
- You care about building robust, reliable systems, but you also know how to balance rigor with pragmatism in order to make progress
- Most importantly, you are motivated by the mission. You want to work on meaningful technology, contribute to a small and high-impact team, and help build systems that support Zipline’s long-range platform and broader delivery network
- Strong software engineering fundamentals, with proficiency in at least one strongly typed language. We use C++, Rust, and Python
- Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn across a wide range of embedded environments, from bare metal and RTOS-based systems to embedded Linux
- Experience building and maintaining real-world deployed embedded systems, and handling the long tail of edge cases to ensure consistent safety, reliability and high performance
- A systems mindset and strong debugging instincts; you know how to break down ambiguous problems and methodically narrow in on root causes
- Fluency at the hardware/software interface, including bringing up peripherals from schematics and datasheets and debugging prototype hardware
- Motivation to thrive in a fast-moving, startup environment where engineers wear multiple hats, move quickly, and help shape both the product and the way the team works
- A mission-driven mindset and excitement for building technology that expands access, improves lives, and supports Zipline’s global delivery network
- Willingness to work regularly from our South San Francisco headquarters, typically 3–4 days per week, to support close cross-functional collaboration
What the job involves
- As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will help build the software foundation for some of the most critical systems on our aircraft
- This role is well suited for an engineer who is excited to work close to the hardware, move fluidly across different embedded environments, and take ownership of complex problems from early prototype through field-ready deployment
- Build the embedded software that runs critical flight and safety functions across our aircraft’s microcontrollers and embedded Linux edge computers
- Improve the reliability of the flight software system end to end by partnering closely with hardware, systems, and cross-functional engineering teams on fault management, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Use flight data and runtime analysis to understand system behavior in the real world, improve confidence in performance, and optimize software where it will have the greatest impact
- Create the metrics, monitoring, and debugging infrastructure needed to support safe, scalable deployment in the field
- Develop tools and test capabilities that accelerate early-stage evaluation of new sensors, communication systems, and microcontroller platforms
- Jump into ambiguous, cross-functional problems and help turn early ideas and prototypes into dependable systems that can scale with the network
Our take
Zipline is reinventing how the world moves goods - one flight at a time. What started as a bold idea to deliver life-saving medical supplies by drones has grown into the world's first logistics network designed to serve everyone, everywhere. From rushing blood and vaccines to remote clinics, to dropping off everyday essential for Walmart customers, Ziplines's autonomous drones are proving that fast, reliable delivery doesn't have to be limited by roads or geography.
Zipline has an edge over potential future competitors as the company has thousands of hours and over 35 million miles of flight to prove the system is safe and effective. It’s also one of the first companies to receive a full commercial operating certificate, putting Zipline in a strong position to continuously branch out to other markets.
The unicorn company operates globally and has signed its first government contract with Rwanda to provide up to 2 million drone deliveries by 2029. Beyond government partnerships, Zipline has its sight set on everyday consumers, preparing to launch commercial deliveries straight to individuals houses. With its Walmart collaboration expanding and even Chipotle orders taking to the skies in Texas, Zipline isn't just redefining delivery - it's aiming to reach every corner of commerce, with a future that looks as bright as its ambitions.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
34% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 12 rounds)
Mar 2026
$200m
SERIES H
Jan 2026
$600m
SERIES H
Total funding: $2.1bn
Company HQ
South San Francisco, CA
Leadership
Keller Rinaudo Cliffton
(Co-Founder & CEO)Having studied Economics and Biotechnology at Harvard, they worked for almost 11 months as a self-employed rock climber. They combined their academic and practical experience to co-found Zipline in July 2011.
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