Applications Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

About the Role

As an Applications Engineer Intern, you are the technical specialist responsible for solving application-specific challenges related to the deployment of our infrastructure in diverse environments. You take a rigorous systems-based approach to problem-solving. Your primary mission is to identify, validate, and integrate off-the-shelf (OTS) systems and commercially available products that meet our rigorous ground infrastructure requirements. Whether architecting a remote monitoring camera network, integrating weather sensing arrays, or designing specialized lifting and service apparatus, you ensure that Zipline’s hardware functions flawlessly in every unique application.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, testing, and deployment of system improvements for the Platform 2 system supporting ground systems, commercial operations, and new deployments.
• Develop and implement technical solutions for specialized application needs, including lifting apparatus for maintenance or weather stations for localized flight safety.
• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with external vendors to source high-availability, low-cost commercially available products that fulfill critical system requirements.
• Work with the engineering and deployments organization to refine site requirements and transform them into deployable systems that fulfill first-principles needs.
• Define the necessary handover materials and processes to move new application solutions into a sustaining operations trajectory.

Requirements

• You must have completed the second year of your undergraduate studies, pursuing a degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Masters and PhD students are also eligible.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting hardware and software systems, data collection and analysis, and collaborating with stakeholders to address engineering challenges.
• Experience in reading data sheets, layouts, or schematics.
• Possessing CAD skills (Siemens NX, Solidworks, etc.) and any machine shop/prototyping experience is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical information into clear, repeatable technical instructions.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills, including creating timelines, leading meetings, and providing cross-functional updates.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors at test sites for hands-on development and testing.
• A problem-solving approach with a drive for continuous improvement in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
• Technical curiosity and a passion for user-centric design. Self-directed with the ability to independently manage tasks.
• Eager to learn and grow through building strong relationships with operations and engineering teams.

Schedule

This internship is a full-time position, in-person at our South San Francisco office. We will host our Spring 2027 interns from January 2027 to April 2027.

Pay

The hourly rate for this internship is $40 per hour. Additional benefits may include relocation support, a housing stipend, overtime pay, paid sick time, and other benefits, where applicable and subject to local requirements.