Intern Drone Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zipline is scaling drone production and flight operations by more than 20 over the next three years while maintaining best-in-class safety and reliability. You will own the entire supplier industrialization and supplier development engineering functions - building the team, processes, tools, and culture that make Zipline's massive scale-up possible without compromising quality, delivery, or cost.

As an SIE Intern, the projects you undertake will be focused on the improvement of manufacturing operations & quality at critical Zipline suppliers. This involves working with internal & external cross-functional stakeholders on design for manufacturing & assembly, manufacturing process design & implementation, statistical quality control, and root cause analysis to ensure that Zipline suppliers can meet quality, cost & delivery targets set for them.

• Design for X (DfX) Discussions: Participate in DfX discussions with internal and external stakeholders to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, assembly, and efficiency across Zipline's Top Level Assemblies (TLAs) and sub-assemblies.
• Assembly Line Management: Assist with the planning, budgeting, design, procurement, commissioning, and validation of assembly lines and associated equipment at Zipline for Product Validation Builds and mass production at contract manufacturers (CMs).
• Process Documentation & Training: Develop and maintain key process documentation such as Manufacturing Process Flows, FMEAs, Control Plans, and Work Instructions. Provide training to operators and quality teams to ensure consistent standards in manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Supplier Management & Qualification: Support in evaluating and qualifying new suppliers, ensuring they meet Zipline's quality and production standards. Assist in implementing manufacturing processes at supplier facilities to meet the Zipline Approval Process (ZAP) requirements.
• Fixture Design & Automation: Design fixtures for assembly and inspection, and propose automation strategies to improve efficiency and reliability, both at Zipline and supplier facilities.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & Corrective Actions: Assist in performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality issues, ensuring these actions are effectively implemented to prevent future occurrences.
• Supplier and Process Performance Tracking: Monitor and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as first-pass yield, on-time delivery, and cost of poor quality, generating regular reports for internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvements.
• Continuous Improvement Projects: Assist in Continuous Improvement (CI) projects to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality at both Zipline and its supplier locations

• Must have at least completed the second year of your Undergraduate studies. Masters and PhD students are also eligible. 
• Proficiency in 3D CAD Software (NX preferred) & ability to read Engineering Drawings (with GD&T)
• Understanding of traditional & non-traditional manufacturing processes (Machining, Injection Molding, Sheet Metal Stamping, 3D Printing, PCBA Manufacturing, Mechanical or Electromechanical Assembly, etc.)
• Understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Understanding of Problem Solving Frameworks (8D, FTA, Pareto Analysis, etc.) & RCA/ CAPA Techniques used within these frameworks
• Willingness to work in a super fast-paced environment that is in a constant state of evolution
• Be a student pursuing a(n) graduate/ undergraduate degree in one of the following concentrations: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics.

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco office. We will host our Fall 2026 interns from September to December. 

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

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.