Quality/Manufacturing Operations Engineering Intern Spring 2025

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 Quality/ Manufacturing Operations Engineering Team (AME/MQE/SIE)

Zipline’s operations engineering team is split into three disciplines; Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME), Manufacturing Quality Engineering (MQE), and Supplier Industrialization Engineering (SIE). The organization as a whole is responsible for ensuring the success of Zipline’s manufacturing, operations and supply chain and the products that are produced.

The Roles

As an AME Intern, you will be focused on designing assembly lines & equipment for Zipline’s Top Level Assemblies (TLAs) that will be manufactured at Zipline's Final Assembly, Test & Pack (FATP) Contract Manufacturers (CMs). This involves working with internal & external cross-functional stakeholders on design for manufacturing & assembly, assembly process and equipment design, assembly line commissioning, validation & continuous improvement to ensure Zipline can continue to serve its customers with better operational efficiency.

As an MQE Intern, you will be focused on the quality and reliability of Zipline’s in-house manufacturing. This involves tracking yield performance, performing root cause analysis and corrective action implementation on assembly and functional test failures, and helping to build a world class manufacturing organization by implementing innovative processes to improve performance during manufacturing and in the field.   

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.

What You'll Do:  

• 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.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-On Engineering Experience: Learn to optimize manufacturing and assembly processes, working on DfX, assembly lines, and automation strategies.
• Problem-Solving Expertise: Develop skills in root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to improve quality and prevent issues.
• Supplier and Quality Management: Gain exposure to supplier qualification and process development while ensuring compliance with Zipline’s quality standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside engineering, quality, and supply chain teams, gaining valuable experience in coordinating between internal and external stakeholders.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Learn to track and analyze key metrics to drive performance improvements and optimize manufacturing processes.

What You'll Bring 

• 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.

Nice To Have:

Experience designing products or manufacturing processes through 1+ internship(s), or full-time work in one of the following fields: New Product Introduction, Project/ Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Supplier Quality/ Industrialization, Metrology, Industrial Engineering, or Strategic Sourcing or Have demonstrated excellence in one of the above fields

What Else You Need to Know   

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco office. We will host our Spring 2024 interns from January to May. We will host our Summer 2024 interns from May to August.

The starting cash range for this role is $37.00 - 41.00 / hour. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and working location. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; overtime pay; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

Zipline is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your point of contact at Zipline know if you require any accommodations throughout your interview process.