System Test Automation Internship

• 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 Git Hub Actions, Buildkite, or similar

Familiarity with tools like Git for version control, bazel for build and test management and Jira for task tracking

Experience working in a Linux environment, including using command-line tools effectively

You must have completed the second year of your undergraduate studies. Master's and PhD students are also eligible

Strong understanding of engineering design fundamentals and the ability to triage and identify root causes of technical issues

Experience writing Rust or 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 General understanding of electrical systems such as motors, sensors, cameras, and onboard computers

Basic understanding of networking concepts such as RPC or sockets

Strong 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 issues

Familiarity with creating and executing test plans or validation plans for software or hardware systems

This 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