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Autonomous Systems Internship Jobs in California

Delos

Fall 2026 Engineering Internship

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

The Role Mach's Fall 2026 Engineering Internship is open for future engineers and builders who want ... Autonomous systems -- guidance, control, and navigation software for unmanned platforms * Embedded ...

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Odin Dynamics, Inc

Fall Engineering Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Personal or academic projects in robotics, autonomous systems, or marine/aerospace engineering. * Experience with hands-on prototyping, shop tools, or lab equipment. * Prior internship or co-op ...

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Autonomous Systems Internship information

What is an autonomous systems internship?

An Autonomous Systems Internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience working with technologies such as robotics, self-driving vehicles, drones, and artificial intelligence. Interns typically assist in designing, developing, and testing autonomous systems under the guidance of experienced engineers or researchers. These internships provide exposure to real-world applications of autonomous technology and often require knowledge of programming, machine learning, or control systems. The goal is to help interns build practical skills, expand their professional network, and prepare for a career in the field of autonomous systems.

What types of projects do interns typically work on during an autonomous systems internship?

During an Autonomous Systems Internship, interns often participate in hands-on projects involving robotics, machine learning, sensor integration, or simulation environments. They may assist with developing algorithms for navigation, collaborating on system testing, or supporting data analysis for autonomous vehicles or drones. Interns usually work closely with multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to both hardware and software aspects of autonomous systems. This collaborative environment helps interns build practical skills and network with experienced professionals in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous systems intern?

To thrive as an Autonomous Systems Intern, you generally need a solid background in computer science, robotics, or engineering, with coursework or experience in algorithms, control systems, and machine learning. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or C++, simulation tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), and version control systems (e.g., Git) is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on complex technical projects. These skills and qualifications enable interns to contribute meaningfully to the development and testing of autonomous technologies in a fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Autonomous Systems Internship vs Robotics Engineering Internship?

AspectAutonomous Systems InternshipRobotics Engineering Internship
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework, technical skills in AI, machine learning, and systems integrationEngineering background, robotics courses, programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, autonomous vehicle firmsManufacturing plants, research labs, robotics companies
Employer & Industry UsageAutonomous vehicle developers, AI firms, transportation techRobotics firms, industrial automation, manufacturing

Autonomous Systems Internships focus on developing and testing autonomous technologies like self-driving cars, requiring skills in AI and systems integration. Robotics Engineering Internships emphasize designing and building robotic systems, often involving mechanical and electrical engineering. Both roles are industry-relevant and share overlapping skills but differ in their specific focus areas and work environments.

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What job categories do people searching Autonomous Systems Internship jobs in California look for?

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Cities in California with the most Autonomous Systems Internship job openings:

Autonomous Systems Internship jobs near you

Software Systems Validation Intern (Spring 2027)

Zipline

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$54/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

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 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  
  • You must have completed the second year of your undergraduate studies in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. Masters and PhD students are also eligible
  • 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

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

The hourly rate for this internship is $54 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.

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.

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.

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