Hardware Test Automation Intern (Summer 2026)

About Zipline

Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the worlds most urgent and complex access challenges by building the first instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. Leveraging expertise in robotics and autonomy Zipline designs builds and operates a fleet of cutting edge autonomous delivery drones. We serve tens of millions of people around the world.

Joining Ziplines 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 Ziplines mission forward while learning real-world skills that will serve them in their careers for the long term.

Join us and build the future of logistics with the best humans around!

About the Hardware Test Team

The Hardware Test Team plays a critical role in ensuring the performance reliability and safety of the systems that power Ziplines life-saving delivery drones. As a cross-functional group supporting multiple hardware engineering domains we design and execute rigorous testing strategies across avionics power systems mechanical assemblies sensors and other mission-critical components. Operating at the intersection of hardware and software we validate integrated systems under real-world and simulated conditions to ensure our products perform flawlessly in some of the most demanding environments on Earth. Our work directly advances Ziplines mission to provide fast dependable access to essential medical and commercial supplies around the globe.

The Role

In developing a test asset you will gain a deep understanding of the system you are working onwhether that includes embedded electronics avionics sensing systems power distribution mechanical actuation or full subsystem integrations. Building these test assets often involves designing and constructing mechatronic systems as well as developing complex automation scripts that coordinate sensors actuators and instrumentation with operator safety in mind.

You will own your test asset end-to-end: from early concept and system definition to implementation data collection analysis and ultimately the recommendations that inform engineering decisions. If you are excited by hands-on engineering solving ambiguous technical problems and building tools that raise the bar for hardware quality this role is for you.

What Youll Do

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define clear component and tester requirements

• Architect and implement software to validate the design and assembly of components ranging from circuit boards to large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies

• Develop automation-centric software to streamline testing data collection analysis and reporting

• Gain deep expertise in the components or systems under test to understand their expected behavior under a variety of operating conditions

• Own a test asset through its entire lifecyclefrom planning and implementation to system validation troubleshooting and analysis of results

What Youll Bring

• Experience programming in Python with foundational knowledge of embedded C

• Experience developing software that interfaces directly with hardware and instrumentation

• Ability to interpret datasheets and write basic drivers for new components

• Understanding of fundamental electrical and/or mechanical engineering principles

• Experience working with common electrical test equipment (multimeters oscilloscopes power supplies etc.)

What Else You Should Know

Our internships are full-time positions in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office. We will host our Summer 2026 interns from May or June to August.

Candidates are limited tothree (3) applications within a 30-day period.

The starting cash range for this internship is $38 - 42/ hour. Please note that this is a target starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors including a specific candidates experience qualifications skills and working location. The total compensation package for each role may also include: a housing stipend; overtime pay; relocation support; paid sick time; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit please apply!

Zipline is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your point of contact at Zipline know if you require any accommodations throughout your interview process.