System Validation & Automation Intern, Zipline

• 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

Desirable

• Joining Zipline’s Emerging Talent program as an intern is an opportunity to contribute to our promise of building a system that provides equitable access to critical healthcare supplies for millions of people
• We believe that internships are more than just opportunities to learn by watching or doing low level tasks
• We expect our interns to take on meaningful work that actively contributes to moving Zipline’s mission forward, while learning real-world skills that will serve them in their careers for the long term
• 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 Summer 2026 interns from May or June to August