Long-Range Hardware Engineering Intern — Build & Validate

flyzipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Hardware Engineering Intern for the Long Range Platform Design Engineering team to tackle real hardware challenges impacting performance and reliability. You will take a project from problem definition through prototyping, testing, and iteration on actual hardware.

You will work with experienced engineers, applying fundamentals, CAD, and hands-on fabrication to deliver reliable hardware for Zipline's long-range delivery system, expanding access to essential goods worldwide.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of core engineering fundamentals and ability to apply them to open-ended hardware problems.
• Experience building, testing, or troubleshooting physical systems through coursework, project teams, research, internships, or personal projects.
• Comfort working hands-on with prototypes, tools, test equipment, and basic fabrication or assembly.

Responsibilities

• Own a focused hardware design project or root‑cause investigation from problem definition through a tested solution.
• Develop mechanical and/or electrical designs using engineering fundamentals, CAD, and analysis.
• Build and iterate on prototypes, test fixtures, and hardware using hands‑on fabrication and assembly.
• Design and run tests to characterize performance, investigate failures, and validate solutions.
• Analyze test data to identify root causes, evaluate tradeoffs, and make engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers across disciplines and learn how complex hardware is developed and deployed.
• Communicate your work through design reviews, test results, and technical documentation.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Hands-on hardware

Prototype fabrication

Test equipment handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Hardware Engineering Intern for the Long Range Platform Design Engineering team to tackle real hardware challenges impacting performance and reliability. You will take a project from problem definition through prototyping, testing, and iteration on actual hardware.

You will work with experienced engineers, applying fundamentals, CAD, and hands-on fabrication to deliver reliable hardware for Zipline's long-range delivery system, expanding access to essential goods worldwide.