Civil and Structural Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

4d•$44•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. Zipline's system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and offers fast delivery. The company seeks practical problem solvers motivated by building impactful systems and scaling the future of logistics. The Ground Systems Deployment and Construction team is responsible for developing functional drone charging sites, focusing on world-class construction execution that is scalable, cost-optimized, and serviceable. As a Civil/Structural Engineer Intern on the Ground Systems Deployment team, you will support the rollout of Zipline’s site infrastructure across multiple metros and contribute to how UAS infrastructure integrates with the built environment. You will help develop standards for charging sites and support the structural engineering of ground systems hardware and site infrastructure for permits and approvals. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams like Real Estate & Development, Systems Engineering, and Tower Engineering to ensure site layouts and infrastructure meet Zipline’s engineering requirements and applicable municipal codes and permitting standards. This position is based at Zipline’s headquarters in South San Francisco.

Requirements

Must have completed the second year of undergraduate studies in Civil or Structural Engineering. Master's and PhD students are also eligible.
Proficiency in Bluebeam and drafting software such as AutoCAD or Revit.
Excellent communications and problem solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with building codes and developing site plans.

Responsibilities

Support the civil and structural design of new Zipline sites, including charging infrastructure, foundations, equipment pads, and other ground-system elements.
Perform structural calculations and help develop drawings and design documentation that support permitting, construction, and site deployment.
Help create and improve reusable design standards for charging sites and ground-system hardware, then adapt those standards to real-world site constraints.
Support permitting and regulatory reviews by helping address comments and coordinate with municipalities, inspectors, consultants, and other external partners.
Collaborate with teams across Real Estate & Development, Systems Engineering, Tower Engineering, construction, and deployment to understand how engineering decisions affect site layout, constructability, and operations.
Evaluate site-specific engineering challenges and develop practical solutions that improve safety, constructability, cost, and speed of deployment.
Gain hands-on experience taking infrastructure from early site concepts through permitting and construction, while learning how civil and structural engineering is applied to a rapidly scaling UAS network.