Aerodynamics Intern (Fall 2026)

Zipline • South San Francisco, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service, aiming to serve all humans equally by providing access to essential goods. They design, build, and operate an autonomous logistics system, making millions of deliveries globally. The company is looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth, motivated by building systems with a meaningful impact. The Applied Aerodynamics Team is crucial for the aircraft's aerodynamic performance, working on everything from body and propellers to vehicle dynamics and aeroacoustics, collaborating with numerous other engineering teams. As an intern, you will work on current projects alongside experienced aerodynamicists and aeronautical engineers, applying learned skills in a practical, fast-paced environment. You will learn to use various tools, from low-fidelity calculations to CFD simulation and experimental analysis, to contribute to the design of current and future products.

Requirements

• Studying one or more of the following areas: fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, flight physics, aeronautical engineering, acoustics.
• A strong understanding of the technical content of these courses is the most valuable asset.
• Understanding and experience with continuum- or Lattice Boltzmann-based computational fluid dynamics, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW.
• Experience with wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis using a variety of electro-mechanical and optical diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with flight test planning for system identification and simulation validation, cross functional planning, test execution, and data analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Rust, or similar software tools.
• Experience with CAD advanced surfacing tools, such as CATIA or NX.

Nice To Haves

• If you have not used the tool before, we’ll teach you to use it where needed.

Responsibilities

• Vehicle design analysis including aerodynamics, propulsion, and power system performance.
• Low- and high-fidelity analytical modeling of vehicle subsystems and behaviors.
• Aerodynamic database generation and building analysis of flight behaviors.
• Experiment planning, execution and data analysis, from wind tunnels to flight tests.
• Support multidisciplinary team including controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineers to tackle design challenges and resolve time-sensitive issues.

Benefits

• Full-time positions
• In-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office
• Equal opportunity employer
• Prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type
• Commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed