System Test Automation Intern

Responsibilities

• Assist with hardware-in-the-loop and flight tests validating interactions among Zipline’s Zip, Droid, and Dock systems.
• Build and refine automated pipelines that test software before flight deployment.
• Design tools to stress-test systems in off-nominal scenarios.
• Analyze and troubleshoot hardware and software issues identified during testing.
• Design and execute system-level validation plans with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Develop scripts and tools supporting automated testing workflows.
• Document test results and track issues while contributing to system reliability and quality improvements.

Requirements

• Must have completed the second year of undergraduate studies; master’s and PhD students are also eligible.
• Strong understanding of engineering design fundamentals and ability to triage issues and identify technical root causes.
• Experience writing Rust or Python scripts for task or test automation through coursework or personal projects.
• Hands-on experience writing Python tests with Pytest or Unittest.
• Familiarity with creating and executing software or hardware test and validation plans.
• Hands-on debugging and technical issue triage experience.
• General understanding of electrical systems, including motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computers.
• Experience working in Linux and using command-line tools.
• Familiarity with Git, Bazel, and Jira.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts such as RPC or sockets.
• Experience with CI tools such as GitHub Actions, Buildkite, or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for documenting results and tracking issues.

Benefits

• Full-time Summer 2027 internship running approximately May/June through August/September.
• In-person work at Zipline’s South San Francisco office.
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop, flight testing, and safety-critical autonomous logistics systems.
• Opportunity to work with experienced engineers on systems delivering healthcare, food, and essential goods worldwide.