Aerodynamics Intern

About the Applied Aerodynamics Team

Without the Aerodynamics team, the Zipline drones would not fly!  This team is responsible for the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, from high-level aeronautical considerations down to the detailed surface design.  We work on everything from the body and propellers to vehicle dynamics and aeroacoustics, and in order to ensure our product is successful we collaborate strongly with almost every other engineering team, including GNC, structures, mechanical integration, avionics, perception, systems, weather and others.

The Role

As an intern in the Aerodynamics Team you can expect to work on any one of our current open projects alongside our world-class aerodynamicists and aeronautical engineers, both learning from their experience and bringing your own perspective to the tasks.  This is an opportunity to test the skills and knowledge you’ve learned at school in a practical and fast-paced environment, where we leverage our understanding of physics to solve real problems.  You will learn to use a variety of tools - from low fidelity calculations, through CFD simulation to experimental analysis - to help drive the design of our current and future products forward. 

What You'll Do

• Vehicle design analysis including aerodynamics, propulsion, and power system performance.  
• Low- and high-fidelity analytical modeling of vehicle subsystems and behaviors
• Aerodynamic database generation and building analysis of flight behaviors
• Experiment planning, execution and data analysis, from wind tunnels to flight tests
• Support multidisciplinary team including controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineers to tackle design challenges and resolve time-sensitive issues

What You'll Bring

• You will be studying one or more of the following areas: fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, flight physics, aeronautical engineering, acoustics.  A strong understanding of the technical content of these courses is the most valuable asset you will bring, and will help you exercise good engineering judgment.
• Understanding and experience with any of the following toolsets is advantageous.  If you have not used the tool before, we’ll teach you to use it where needed.
• Continuum- or Lattice Boltzmann-based computational fluid dynamics, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW
• Wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis using a variety of electro-mechanical and optical diagnostic techniques
• Flight test planning for system identification and simulation validation, cross functional planning, test execution, and data analysis
• MATLAB, Python, Rust, or similar software tools
• CAD advanced surfacing tools, such as CATIA or NX
• To be maximally effective we will need you to work in our head office in South San Francisco.  For certain testing programs, limited travel (within California) may be required.

What Else You Should Know

Our internships are full-time positions, in-person at our South San Francisco or Dallas office. We will host our Spring 2027 interns from January to April/May. 

Candidates are limited to three (3) applications within a 30-day period.

The hourly rate for this internship is $48 per hour. Additional benefits may include relocation support, a housing stipend, overtime pay, paid sick time, and other benefits, where applicable and subject to local requirements.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.

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.