Supplier Industrialization Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)

Zipline•South San Francisco, CA

1d•$38 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building the first instant logistics system that serves all humans equally. Leveraging expertise in robotics and autonomy, Zipline designs, builds, and operates a fleet of cutting edge, autonomous delivery drones. We serve tens of millions of people around the world. Joining Zipline’s Emerging Talent program as an intern is an opportunity to contribute to our promise of building a system that provides equitable access to critical healthcare supplies for millions of people. We believe that internships are more than just opportunities to learn by watching or doing low level tasks. We expect our interns to take on meaningful work that actively contributes to moving Zipline’s mission forward, while learning real-world skills that will serve them in their careers for the long term. Join us, and build the future of logistics with the best humans around! About The Supplier Industrialization Engineering Team 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. The Role 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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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