Embedded Software Engineer Intern

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software, firmware, drivers, and real-time applications for autonomous aircraft and ground systems.
• Build manufacturing software test suites, RF test setups, hardware-in-the-loop integrations, and simulation-based validation tools.
• Develop telemetry systems using ADCs, I2C devices, and GPIO interrupts, then deploy and validate them in global production.
• Prototype perception systems by integrating compute modules and sensor hardware for flight proof-of-concepts.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, operations, and cross-functional engineering teams to test and roll out flight and ground-system improvements.
• Define system requirements, validate safety and reliability, investigate failures, and take technical projects from design through deployment.

Requirements

• Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering and having completed at least the second year of undergraduate studies; Master’s and PhD students are also eligible.
• Experience designing, building, or deploying electromechanical systems or robots in or outside the classroom.
• Comfort working in at least one of C, C++, Python, or Rust.
• Experience developing software for a real-time operating system or embedded Linux.
• Familiarity with electrical engineering fundamentals, including reading schematics, debugging with an oscilloscope, and communication protocols such as CAN, SPI, and UART.
• Ability to write efficient, readable, well-tested code with friendly APIs and minimal technical debt.

Benefits

• Full-time, in-person internship at Zipline’s South San Francisco office from January 2027 through April 2027.
• Potential relocation support, housing stipend, overtime pay, paid sick time, and other applicable benefits.