Software Systems Validation Intern (Summer 2026)

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 System Validation Team

Zipline’s Software Systems Validation team ensures that all the software powering our autonomous delivery aircraft works reliably, safely, and as intended in the real world. We operate at the system level—evaluating how components like navigation, perception, controls, planning, and actuation work together as a cohesive product.

The team partners closely with Embedded Software, Autonomy, Systems Engineering, Test Infrastructure, and Data Platform groups to build validation tools, analyze performance, and identify risks early. Our work spans simulation, hardware testing, data-driven analysis, and system-level evaluations that support deployments across the globe.

As an intern, you’ll collaborate with engineers across these domains, gaining hands-on exposure to how industry-leading autonomous systems are designed, tested, and validated at scale.

The Role

As a Software Systems Validation Intern, you will help evaluate the software that enables Zipline’s autonomous drone delivery system. You’ll contribute to building tests, tools, metrics, and visualizations that help the team understand system performance, identify issues, and ensure reliability before flight.

This role is designed for someone excited to learn how complex robotic systems are validated, who enjoys problem-solving, and who wants to build real-world experience working with autonomy software, data analysis, and systems engineering.

What You'll Do

• Support the design and execution of test scenarios across the autonomous software stack to validate system-level requirements


• Help develop and improve validation tools, workflows, and automation


• Build basic visualizations or metrics that highlight performance trends, gaps, or regressions


• Work with test infrastructure and data platform teams to run validation pipelines


• Analyze results and contribute to identifying root causes of failures or unexpected behavior


• Document findings and communicate insights to engineering stakeholders

What You'll Bring

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree 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


• Familiarity with testing, debugging, or validation methodologies (academic or project-based experience counts!)


• Experience with data analysis using Python, SQL, or similar 


• Basic proficiency with a compiled language such as C/C++ or Rust


• Curiosity, attention to detail, and a desire to learn how autonomous systems are validated in real-world environments

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have)

• Exposure to hardware, actuators, sensors, and interfacing with software


• Experience with robotics competitions, club projects, or research labs


• Interest in requirements development, reliability engineering, or statistical validation

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 Summer 2026 interns from May or June to August. 

Candidates are limited to three (3) applications within a 30-day period.

The starting cash range for this internship is $40 - 44/ 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.

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!

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.