Aircraft Software Integration Intern (Spring 2027)

About the Software Integration Team

Are you excited about learning how complex software systems come together to power real-world autonomy? At Zipline, we operate the world’s largest autonomous delivery network, and our Software Integration team plays a critical role in making sure the software that flies our aircraft works reliably and safely in the real world.

As a Software Integration Intern, you’ll get hands-on experience at the intersection of robotics, embedded software, and systems engineering. Our team doesn’t just write code—we bring together planning, perception, and controls software, and make sure all of it works smoothly on the aircraft, in simulation, and in real operations.

You’ll help test and integrate features that affect how our autonomous aircraft fly, adapt routes, and respond to unexpected situations. That means working with simulation tools, flight telemetry, and testing infrastructure to ensure new software behaves the way it should before it ever goes into the sky.

This internship is a chance to learn how large, safety-critical autonomy systems are built and scaled, while contributing to technology that directly impacts communities around the world.

The Role

We are seeking a Software Integration Intern with an interest in applying technical and engineering skills to real-world problems. The ideal candidate is eager to learn how to use data science and programming to support hardware systems integration and engineering projects. This internship provides the opportunity to work with large datasets, gain exposure to modern data tools, and apply engineering principles to create actionable insights. Familiarity with Python, SQL, and basic software development is helpful, but a strong willingness to learn is most important.

What You'll Do

• Data Analysis & Modeling: Assist in analyzing datasets from engineering systems, vehicle sensors, and other sources to uncover patterns and support predictive modeling efforts.
• Data Visualization: Help design clear and visually appealing charts and dashboards using tools such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, or Tableau to communicate findings.
• Dashboard Development: Contribute to the creation and maintenance of real-time dashboards that track key metrics and system performance.
• Data Engineering: Support data cleaning, preprocessing, and organization tasks to make datasets ready for analysis. Write simple SQL queries and learn how to work with databases.
• Machine Learning: Gain exposure to machine learning by assisting with model development and validation for autonomy applications
• Scientific Programming: Learn to apply scientific and engineering programming techniques to develop small data pipelines, automate processes, and run simulations.
• Software Development: Support software-related tasks such as building scripts or tools to improve workflows and automation.

What You'll Bring

• Educational Background: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Technical Skills:
  • Familiarity with Python for scientific programming (libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Plotly, etc.).
  • Basic understanding of SQL for querying and working with data.
  • Exposure to software development practices (version control with Git, debugging, documentation) is a plus.
• Mathematical & Analytical Skills:
  • Coursework or experience with statistics, linear algebra, or numerical methods.
  • Interest in applying engineering and data analysis to solve real-world problems.
• Problem-Solving:
  
  • Curiosity and analytical thinking to approach technical challenges.
  • Ability to learn how to frame engineering problems as data science problems.
• Communication Skills:
  
  • Willingness to communicate findings clearly with technical and non-technical teammates.
  • Strong written and verbal skills for documentation and presentations.
• Machine Learning & Data Modeling:
  
  • Familiarity with machine learning concepts or frameworks (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras).
  • Some experience from coursework, projects, or self-study in building or experimenting with models.
• Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience in Robotics/Automation: Prior exposure to robotics systems, automation, or sensor data (through coursework, projects, or clubs) is a plus.
  • Software Development: Exposure to object-oriented programming (e.g., C++ or Java) is a bonus.
  • Cloud Computing/Big Data Tools: Familiarity with cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure) or big data tools (Spark, Hadoop) is helpful but not required

What Else You Should Know

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco office. We will host our Spring 20227 interns from January to April/May.

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

The starting cash range for this internship is $54/ 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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.