Hardware Test Intern (Spring 2027)

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 Zipline’s 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 Zipline’s 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 on—whether 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 You'll Do

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

• Validate the design and assembly of components ranging from circuit boards to large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies

• 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 lifecycle—from planning and implementation to system validation, troubleshooting, and analysis of results

What You'll Bring

• 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.)

• Nice to have: Experience programming in Python, with foundational knowledge of embedded C; Experience developing software that interfaces directly with hardware and instrumentation

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 Spring 2027 interns from January to April/May.

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

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.

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.