About the role#
As a Software Systems Validation Intern, you will help evaluate the software that powers our autonomous drone delivery system. You will work at the system level, looking at how navigation, perception, controls, and planning components function together. This role involves building tests, tools, and metrics to ensure system reliability before flight. You will collaborate with engineers across multiple domains to gain hands-on experience with autonomous systems.
What you'll do#
- Support the design and execution of test scenarios across the autonomous software stack.
- Develop and improve validation tools, workflows, and automation.
- Build visualizations or metrics that highlight performance trends, gaps, or regressions.
- Analyze results to help identify root causes of failures or unexpected behavior.
- Document findings and communicate insights to engineering stakeholders.
What you'll need#
- Completion of at least the second year of undergraduate studies in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
- Coursework or project experience in robotics, controls, estimation, navigation, perception, or software development.
- Experience with data analysis using Python, SQL, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with testing, debugging, or validation methodologies.
- Basic proficiency with a compiled language such as C/C++ or Rust.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site internship based in South San Francisco, California.
- The term runs during Winter 2027 (January to April).
- This position is paid at an hourly rate of $54 per hour.
- We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role.
About Zipline
Zipline operates an automated delivery system using robotics and autonomous technology. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on logistics for healthcare and retail sectors. It maintains a global presence with operations in countries including Rwanda and Ghana, alongside services in the United States. The organization is based in South San Francisco and employs nearly 1,900 people.
How to get in at Zipline
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