System Validation & Automation Intern (Summer… at Zipline · South…

Summary: Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move by building an instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. As a System Validation Intern, you will contribute to testing and validating Zipline’s complete system of systems, helping to ensure the reliability of systems that deliver life-saving goods worldwide while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies. Responsibilities: - 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 - Analyze and troubleshoot hardware and software issues uncovered during testing, contributing to system improvements - Gain hands-on experience with testing equipment, such as multimeters and oscilloscopes, to validate hardware performance - 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 Required Qualifications: - Strong understanding of engineering design fundamentals and the ability to triage and identify root causes of technical issues - Experience writing Python scripts to automate tasks or tests, either through coursework or personal projects - Hands-on experience writing Python tests using tools like Pytest or Unittest - Familiarity with creating and executing test plans or validation plans for software or hardware systems - A hands-on approach to problem-solving, including debugging and triaging technical issues - General understanding of electrical systems such as motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computers - Experience working in a Linux environment, including using command-line tools effectively - Familiarity with tools like Git for version control, bazel for build and test management and Jira for task tracking - Basic understanding of networking concepts such as RPC or sockets - Experience working with CI tools like GitHub Actions, Buildkite, or similar - Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to document test results and track issues effectively - A collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate and work effectively in a team environment Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in Robotics/Automation: Prior exposure to robotics systems, automation, or sensor data (through coursework, projects, or clubs) is a plus - Software Development: Exposure to object-oriented programming (e.g., C++ or Java) is a bonus - Cloud Computing/Big Data Tools: Familiarity with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure) or big data tools (Spark, Hadoop) is helpful but not required Required Skills: Python, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Linux, Automated testing Important Skills: Electrical systems, Git, CI tools Nice-to-Have Skills: Networking concepts Internship Start Date: Start in 2026 Summer Benefits: Housing stipend, Overtime pay, Relocation support, Paid sick time, And more