Mechanical Engineer Intern - Hands-on Prototyping & Testing

Zipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Mechanical Engineering intern to contribute to the design, build, and validation of autonomous drone systems. You will apply solid mechanical fundamentals, work with actuators and Raspberry Pi, and develop projects beyond the classroom.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional Zipline teams, take ownership of prototypes, and help ensure reliability for real‑world deployment in a fast‑paced setting. In‑person internships are based in South San Francisco or Dallas.

Qualifications

• Completed at least the second year of your undergraduate studies (Masters/PhD eligible).
• Solid fundamentals in mechanical engineering for structural sizing and system integration.
• Automation experience with actuators and Raspberry Pi or similar.
• Proficient in CAD and designing multiple projects with it.
• Experience on cross‑disciplinary projects requiring mechanical, electrical, and software design.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of big problems integral to the system and develop concepts.
• Design parts and assemblies using 2D/3D CAD tools based on engineering principles.
• Build and test prototypes to gather quick learnings and validate ideas.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Zipline teams and suppliers on designs.
• Design, build and run electro‑mechanical testers to prove reliability of components.
• Evaluate designs at material, element, and product levels; root cause failures and craft tests.
• Document key decisions to enable knowledge transfer and future work.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD

Automation with actuators & Raspberry 

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate 2nd year or higher

Tools

CAD tools

Raspberry Pi

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Mechanical Engineering intern to contribute to the design, build, and validation of autonomous drone systems. You will apply solid mechanical fundamentals, work with actuators and Raspberry Pi, and develop projects beyond the classroom.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional Zipline teams, take ownership of prototypes, and help ensure reliability for real‑world deployment in a fast‑paced setting. In‑person internships are based in South San Francisco or Dallas.