System Test Automation Internship (Spring 2027)

Zipline; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking an System Validation Intern at our South San Francisco office for a full-time, in-person internship Jan–Apr 2027. You will contribute to testing Zipline's Zip, Droid, and Dock systems, building automated pipelines and validating software in a simulated environment before flight tests.

Work with a multidisciplinary team to learn cutting-edge tools, write Python/Rust scripts, and gain hands-on experience solving real-world reliability and safety challenges in life-saving

Qualifications

• Experience with CI tools (GitHub Actions, Buildkite) and version control workflows.
• Familiarity with Linux environments and CLI tools.
• Able to write Rust or Python scripts to automate tasks or tests.
• Hands-on Python tests using Pytest or Unittest.
• Strong problem-solving, debugging, and triage skills.
• Ability to design and execute test plans for software and hardware systems.
• Must have completed second year of undergraduate studies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing HIL tests and flight tests validating Zipline systems.
• Build and refine automated testing pipelines in a simulated environment.
• Develop scripts and tools to support automated testing workflows.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues uncovered during testing.
• Collaborate with engineers across teams to improve system validation.
• Document results and contribute to system improvements.

Skills

Hardware-in-the-Loop testing

Automation scripting

Test planning

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate student – 2nd year

Tools

GitHub Actions

Buildkite

Git

Bazel

Jira

Python

Rust

Pytest

Unittest

Linux

Job description

• The System Validation Team ensures the performance, reliability, and safety of Zipline's integrated system of systems, including the Zip, Droid, and Dock
• We specialize in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, enabling us to validate complex interactions across hardware and software before real-world deployment
• Our team builds and maintains automated pipelines that rigorously test software in a simulated environment, ensuring it meets high standards before being tested in flight
• By catching potential issues early and refining system behavior, we play a critical role in delivering reliable, safe, and efficient solutions that power Zipline's mission to transform global logistics
• Our team owns automation of flight testing as well to capture issues before it happens in commercial flights
• As a System Validation Intern, you will contribute to testing and validating Zipline's complete system of systems-spanning the Zip, Droid, and Dock
• You’ll help build and refine automated testing pipelines, ensuring that software meets rigorous quality standards before being tested in flight
• Working closely with a supportive and experienced team, you’ll develop hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies while solving meaningful challenges
• Your work will play an essential role in ensuring the reliability of systems that deliver life-saving goods worldwide
• This role offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make an impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Assist in executing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests and flight tests to validate the interaction between Zipline's Zip, Droid, and Dock systems
• Collaborate with a wide range of engineers from different teams to build and refine automated pipelines that test software before it is deployed in flight
• Design and improve tools that stress-test the system in off-nominal cases
• Analyze and troubleshoot hardware and software issues uncovered during testing, contributing to system improvements
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team to design and execute system-level validation plans
• Develop and enhance scripts and tools to support automated testing workflows
• Learn how to ensure reliability and quality in complex, safety-critical systems, gaining valuable insights into real-world engineering challenges

Experience working with CI tools like GitHub Actions, Buildkite, or similarFamiliarity with tools like Git for version control, bazel for build and test management and Jira for task trackingExperience working in a Linux environment, including using command-line tools effectivelyYou must have completed the second year of your undergraduate studies. Master's and PhD students are also eligibleStrong understanding of engineering design fundamentals and the ability to triage and identify root causes of technical issuesExperience writing Rust or Python scripts to automate tasks or tests, either through coursework or personal projectsHands-on experience writing Python tests using tools like Pytest or UnittestGeneral understanding of electrical systems such as motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computersBasic understanding of networking concepts such as RPC or socketsStrong attention to detail and organizational skills to document test results and track issues effectivelyA hands-on approach to problem-solving, including debugging and triaging technical issuesFamiliarity with creating and executing test plans or validation plans for software or hardware systemsThis internship is a full-time position, in-person at our South San Francisco office. We will host our Spring 2027 interns from January to April