Trainee Drone Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Please Note: The Zipline SkillBridge program provides transitioning service members the opportunity to gain work experience through an internship during their final 180 days of service. Zipline offers both structured instruction and on-the-job training through a 3-4 month internship.

This is not a general employment opportunity. This role is only open to active-duty U.S. military service members who have been approved (or are eligible for approval) to participate in the DoW SkillBridge program. Applications from candidates who are not SkillBridge-eligible cannot be considered.

As a Quality Inspector (SkillBridge trainee) at Zipline, you will be the first line of defense for the quality of all parts and components entering our manufacturing floor. You'll run our receiving‑inspection test equipment, inspect hardware with our tooling set, and ensure every incoming batch meets our stringent quality standards. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys detailed hands-on work, takes pride in thorough, accurate documentation, and is excited to develop processes that will scale 100x as our production rates increase rapidly.

• Operate incoming‑material structural‑test equipment, running standardized load‑and‑stress protocols on received components
• Conduct general part inspections (dimensional, visual, and functional) using our broad array of precision tools
• Perform detailed inspections of many carbon fiber parts - identifying delaminations, voids, or dimensional deviations - and flagging discrepancies
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to extract inspection requirements and GD&T callouts
• Define our inspection processes as we scale, including what to inspect, how, and selecting the appropriate measurement tool for each task
• Accurately record inspection data in our quality‑management system, maintaining traceability of lot numbers and inspection outcomes
• Identify nonconformances, apply hold tags, and collaborate with Quality Engineering and Suppliers on root‑cause analysis and corrective actions
• Support continuous‑improvement initiatives: refine inspection plans, reduce cycle times, and standardize best practices

• 2+ years of hands‑on quality‑inspection experience in manufacturing, new product introduction, or a related field
• Strong technical literacy: Proven ability to read and work from engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documents, including a solid understanding of GD&T concepts and symbols
• Demonstrated skill selecting and using precision measurement tools
• Experience collaborating with engineering to identify systemic quality issues and improve real-world hardware
• Proficiency with quality documentation software such as 1Factory, task tracking software such as Jira, and general computer proficiency
• Strong attention to detail and a disciplined, process‑driven mindset
• Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills
• Ambition to improve the quality function at Zipline by developing inspection plans, making strategic quality decisions, and supporting new‑build phases
• Experience inspecting carbon‑fiber structures or composite materials strongly preferred

Basic Qualifications:

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and perform hands-on work throughout the day
• Comfort working with tools, chemicals, and hardware in a lab/manufacturing environment (including respirator use when required)

SkillBridge start dates are flexible. Housing is not provided.

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!