System Validation & Automation Intern, Zipline
Spring 2026
The starting cash range for this internship is $38 - 42/ hour
3-5 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
The starting cash range for this internship is $38 - 42/ hour
3-5 days a week in office (South San Francisco, CA)
1001+ employees
Company mission
To open up access to emergency medical care to everyone in the world.
Role
Who you are
- 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
What the job involves
- 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
- 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
- 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
- We will host our Spring 2026 interns from January to April
Our take
Zipline is transforming the way goods move by creating the first logistics system that serves all humans equally via a drone delivery service. As the first emergency drone logistics operation, Zipline is fundamentally changing how we transport emergency medical supplies and has expanded into commercial deliveries. It's partnered with several major companies, including Walmart.
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. It is also aiming to start commercial deliveries to individual households in the near future. With big companies such as Amazon and Walmart examining “instant” delivery options, Zipline has a proven track record and the equipment and logistics in place to provide such services. 2023 funding pushed Zipline's valuation to a staggering $4.2 billion, indicating a bright future.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
34% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 8 rounds)
Apr 2023
$330m
SERIES F
Jul 2021
$250m
SERIES E
Total funding: $813.7m
Company benefits
- Generous parental leave
- Generous vacation policy
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly team events
- Healthcare, vision, and dental
- Healthy, delicious meals and snacks
- Dog-friendly offices
Company HQ
South San Francisco, CA
Leadership
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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