Maintenance Tooling Engineer Intern - Build Real Drone Tools

Zipline; Esparto (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Housing stipend

Overtime pay

Paid sick time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a maintenance tooling intern to design, validate and field new tools for our drone and ground system maintenance at our Esparto, CA facility. You will work closely with hardware and operations teams to translate needs into practical tools and test them in real-world environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping (3D printing, fabrication, welding, soldering) and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of mechanical design fundamentals (statics, dynamics, material properties, fabrication processes).
• Proficiency with CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, Fusion 360.
• Hands-on prototyping experience (3D printing, fabrication, welding, soldering, or assembly).
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Customer-focused and able to understand real-world performance of designs.
• Willingness to work on-site at the Esparto, CA test facility daily.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Hardware and Operations to understand pain points and process requirements.
• Design and prototype tools for drone and ground system maintenance; produce first units with hand and machine tools.
• Gather operational feedback and iterate designs quickly.
• Work with Operations leadership on trade studies to productionize designs.
• Create usage documentation and lead training as designs roll out.

Skills

Mechanical design fundamentals

CAD software

Prototyping

Communication

Customer focus

On-site esparto work

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Zipline is seeking a maintenance tooling intern to design, validate and field new tools for our drone and ground system maintenance at our Esparto, CA facility. You will work closely with hardware and operations teams to translate needs into practical tools and test them in real-world environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping (3D printing, fabrication, welding, soldering) and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.