Mechatronics Intern (Summer 2026)

<h4><strong>About Zipline</strong></h4> <p>Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building the first instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. Leveraging expertise in robotics and autonomy, Zipline designs, builds, and operates a fleet of cutting edge, autonomous delivery drones. We serve tens of millions of people around the world.</p> <p>Joining Zipline’s Emerging Talent program as an intern is an opportunity to contribute to our promise of building a system that provides equitable access to critical healthcare supplies for millions of people. We believe that internships are more than just opportunities to learn by watching or doing low level tasks. We expect our interns to take on meaningful work that actively contributes to moving Zipline’s mission forward, while learning real-world skills that will serve them in their careers for the long term.&nbsp;</p> <p>Join us, and build the future of logistics with the best humans around!</p> <h4><strong>About the Powertrain Test Team</strong></h4> <p>The Powertrain Test Team plays a critical role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and safety of the electric drivetrain that powers Zipline’s life-saving delivery drones. As a sub-team within the broader Powertrain organization, we design and execute rigorous testing strategies across motors, propellers, batteries, and related components. Operating at the intersection of hardware and software, we validate systems under real-world conditions to ensure our drones perform flawlessly in some of the most demanding environments on Earth. Our work directly impacts Zipline’s mission to provide fast, dependable access to essential medical and commercial supplies around the globe.</p> <h4><strong>The Role</strong></h4> <p>As a Powertrain and Battery Mechatronics Intern at Zipline, you will play a hands-on role in driving the performance and reliability of the systems that power our autonomous delivery drones. From the earliest stages of design through rigorous testing and root-cause analysis, you’ll help validate critical components and uncover opportunities to improve system robustness. This role is all about burning down technical risk—quickly, practically, and with purpose—because the reliability of our system directly impacts lives. If you’re energized by solving hard problems, eliminating inefficiencies, and working with a mission-driven team that values speed, focus, and grit, this is the internship for you.</p> <p><strong>What You'll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Design, build, and run electro-mechanical testers to prove reliability of critical components like batteries, motors and propellers.</li> <li>Design tests and their setups to match engineering specifications which includes interpretation of test procedures and diagrams, instrumentation, data acquisition, test article diagnostics and front line root causing.</li> <li>Use 2D and 3D CAD tools to design parts, assemblies and fixtures based on sound engineering principles</li> <li>Develop concepts and evaluate tradeoffs by using a first principles approach</li> <li>Use resources creatively to design, build, and test prototypes to gather quick learnings</li> <li>Work cross-functionally with other Zipline teams and suppliers to review designs&nbsp;</li> <li>Root cause failures and develop a test to replicate the failure mode</li> <li>Document your work so that others can easily understand key decisions made</li> </ul> <h4><strong>What You'll Bring</strong></h4> <ul> <li> <p>The most critical skill we’ve seen in prior entry-level candidates is robust experience designing and actually building multiple mechatronics systems outside of the classroom. This is the component of your application we’re most excited about, so please ensure that you’ve included this work in your application. <em>Examples of things previous interns have built include submarines, solar cars in the Australian outback, electric boats and airplanes, rockets, etc.</em></p> <ul> <li>You’ll bring solid mechanical engineering fundamentals for sizing parts and integrating into design with minimal help</li> <li>You’ll bring automation experience from working with actuators and Raspberry Pi’s (or similar)</li> <li>You’re well versed in CAD, and have designed multiple projects with it</li> <li>You’ve worked on complex projects that require mechanical, electrical, and software design</li> <li>You're quick to change direction when you realize you’ve made a mistake OR could achieve the same goal in a simpler way</li> <li>You bias to action and communicate consistently with your team to ensure everyone is focused on meeting the project goals on time</li> <li>You're excited to build on your design skills with brainstorms, design reviews, and failure mode analysis</li> <li>You can anticipate, plan and schedule your own work</li> <li>You bring a “can do” attitude, because we have a lot of vital work to get done and only work with people who are invested in solving critical problems</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4><strong>What Else You Should Know</strong></h4> <p><em>Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office. We will host our Summer 2026 interns from May or June to August.&nbsp;</em></p> <p><em>Candidates are limited to&nbsp;<strong data-start="868" data-end="917">three (3) applications within a 30-day period.</strong></em></p> <p>The starting cash range for this internship is $38 - 42/ hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and working location. The total compensation package for each role may also include: a housing stipend; overtime pay; relocation support; paid sick time; and more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.</p> <p>We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!</p> <p>Zipline is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your point of contact at Zipline know if you require any accommodations throughout your interview process.</p>