Mechatronics Perception Intern (Fall 2026)

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

1d•$50•Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service, aiming to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to essential goods. They design, build, and operate an autonomous logistics system, making deliveries globally. The Zip Perception Team focuses on onboard and offboard perception systems for detecting and tracking obstacles, developing embedded sensing systems for detection, tracking, and prediction. This role involves developing new sensing modalities to enhance aircraft safety and taking ownership of designing and implementing a prototype data collection platform from CAD design to software development. The ideal candidate is a practical problem solver energized by solving hard problems, eliminating inefficiencies, and working with a mission-driven team.

Requirements

Must have completed the second year of undergraduate studies. Masters and PhD students are also eligible.
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and ability to independently size components and integrate them into designs with minimal guidance.
Highly proficient in CAD, with a track record of designing and executing multiple projects.
Solid embedded software background, having written software for Arduinos, Raspberry Pi’s, or similar embedded devices.
Experience working on complex projects that require mechanical, electrical, and software design.
Ability to change direction quickly when a mistake is realized or a simpler solution is found.
Previous experience working with Radar or Camera sensors.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and run prototype data collection rigs to provide key data for training and live detections.
Use 2D and 3D CAD tools to design parts, assemblies and fixtures based on sound engineering principles.
Develop the software to ingest sensor data and integrate with other software components.
Use resources creatively to design, build, and test prototypes to gather quick learnings.
Work cross-functionally with other Zipline teams and suppliers to review designs.