Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2026)

The Role

Does aggressively tackling cross disciplinary projects from early conceptual stages through to full field deployment sound like the way you want to spend your time? Do you eliminate circular discussions by running a test or use your hands-on skills to build a prototype instead of scheduling another meeting? At Zipline, your work is intended for the field, where customers are counting on it every day, so there is no time for ambiguous communication or unrealistic expectations. We need dedicated engineers to burn down risk and improve reliability in our system like their life depends on it– because others' lives do. If you thrive working with a fast-paced and driven team that focuses on only the most important goals, eliminates blockers, and executes with extreme practicality, keep reading!

Mechanical Engineers at Zipline go deep in their area of ownership, become experts in the problem domain, define requirements for their systems, rapidly develop creative and simple solutions, and prove with testing that their system meets the rigors and edge-cases of real-world deployment. We are composed of teams that are responsible for everything from the earliest designs of a new system, to creating test and validation strategies, root-causing issues with existing systems, and much more.

What You'll Do

• Mechanical interns can own a variety of big problems integral to our system! You can expect to:
• Take product and engineering requirements to develop concepts and evaluate tradeoffs for each
• Use 2D and 3D CAD tools to design parts and assemblies based on sound engineering principles
• 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
• Design, build, and run electro-mechanical testers that you develop to prove reliability of critical components
• Evaluate designs and components on a material, element, and fully integrated product level 
• Root cause failures and develop a test to replicate the failure mode
• Document your work so that others can easily understand key decisions made
• Examples of previous intern projects include designing, building, testing, and running: 
•  flexible blind-mate ducting connection between an aircraft and a ground-based cooling station, allowing for aircraft battery temperature regulation during charging and pre-flight preparation
• a service strategy for removing a docked aircraft from a ground station using a custom designed hand cart, complete with an ergonomic study for a range of technician heights and strengths
• a communications tower with integrated antennas and lightning protection meant to relay vital telemetry information from the drone to the operators during flight