Field Systems Engineering Intern (Spring 2026)

Job description

About Zipline 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.

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.  Join us, and build the future of logistics with the best humans around! About the Field Systems Engineering Team The Field Systems Engineering team sits between the Engineering and Operations organizations and is critical to ensuring that the equipment we design is usable, maintainable, and lasts as long as possible.

Our flight and fulfillment operators drive Zipline, and their ability to use our hardware and software systems to serve our customers around the world, seven days a week is paramount to Zipline’s success The Role Do you want to directly influence a wide range of engineering challenges arising from real-world, fast-paced operations?

As a Field Systems Engineer on the Operations Engineering team, your main goal is to maintain and enhance the tools, processes, and procedures for effective Platform 2 operations, encompassing both flight testing and commercial use.

You will have significant independence to manage projects from initial concept to completion, including setting timelines, leading meetings with stakeholders, collaborating across teams, and demonstrating the business value.

This role involves travel to our test sites, where you will gain firsthand understanding of key issues through experience and observation to inform the development and validation of solutions.

Beyond this core objective, you will also focus on refining repair processes and maintenance procedures within our technical manuals.

This includes working with various teams to guarantee the clarity, accuracy, and operational alignment of these procedures.

Your contributions will help optimize maintenance efforts and boost overall system dependability.

If you are drawn to a highly collaborative environment, tackling intricate problems, and driving ongoing improvements, we encourage you to learn more.

What You'll Do Contribute to the development, testing, and deployment of system improvements for the Platform 2 system, supporting both Flight Test and Commercial Operations.

Conduct Mechanical and Electrical design work to create new and improve existing tools and fixtures to support flight maintenance operations.

Evaluate and streamline existing processes and policies to remove operational blockers and increase team efficiency.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and update technical documentation for both aircraft and ground infrastructure.

Work to refine maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

Analyze repair and work order data (including frequency, mean time between failure (MTBF), and location trends) using tools like SQL and Python to inform root cause and corrective action (RCCA) initiatives.

Tackle complex engineering problems in a fast-paced environment, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

Travel to flight test sites to work directly with operations teams, validate system changes, and define key performance metrics for measuring implementation success What You'll Bring Mechanical/Electrical design, prototyping, and CAD proficiency; experience industrializing for mass manufacturing/DFM is a plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical information into clear, repeatable technical instructions.

Proficiency in Linux, log analysis, and troubleshooting hardware and software systems Experience in data analysis using SQL, Snowflake, and Python to gain insights from diverse data warehouses.

Experience in reliability analysis and proficiency in root cause analysis at both system and component levels.

Demonstrated strong project management skills, including creating timelines, leading meetings, and providing cross-functional updates.

Willingness to travel to test sites for hands-on development and testing.

A problem-solving approach with a drive for continuous improvement in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

Self-directed with the ability to independently manage tasks.

Motivated by supporting others and resolving operational challenges.

Eager to learn and grow through building strong relationships with operations and engineering teams.

Possesses the grit, resourcefulness, and resilience to succeed in evolving business and regulatory landscapes.

  What Else You Should Know Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office.

We will host our Spring 2026 interns from January to April.  Candidates are limited to three (3) applications within a 30-day period.

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.  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.

Required Skill Profession

Engineers