Construction & Development Intern (Fall 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!

The New Deployments team at Zipline is responsible for Real Estate, Preconstruction, Construction, and Development. We ensure that all new projects are delivered on time and within budget by managing permitting, coordinating with partner real estate teams, and overseeing site build-outs. Our work includes everything from identifying and acquiring new real estate - such as test sites or regional hubs - to managing construction from start to finish. We are often the first boots on the ground, turning ideas into operational infrastructure. Our team plays a critical role in scaling Zipline’s operations globally, enabling us to reach new regions and deliver life-changing logistics where they’re needed most. What sets our team apart is our ability to navigate complex, fast-moving projects while aligning multiple stakeholders toward a common goal.

As a Construction & Development Intern in the San Francisco office, you will be responsible for supporting the rolling out of our systems across multiple metros and paving the way imagining how the UAS world meets the built environment - not just for Zipline but for our customers and the industry as a whole. You will be involved in managing the entire process from site identification through permitting, approvals, and construction. 

You will be working with numerous cross-functional teams such as Communications, Government Affairs, Engineering and Operations teams to tackle all the operational and technical challenges we face head-on to get our customer’s sites operational as quickly as possible. You will have to be technically savvy, and be able to develop relationships with customers, suppliers and contractors. 

This position is based out of our headquarters in San Francisco.

• Pre-Construction & Risk Management:
• Support site selection, feasibility studies, and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with local land-use, zoning, and aviation regulations.
• Identify and mitigate preconstruction and construction risks, including permitting challenges, environmental constraints, and site-specific infrastructure limitations.
• Work with engineering teams to compile requirements, derive a scope of work, then develop site plans and drawings necessary for permit submission.
• Permitting & Regulatory Compliance:
• Engage with city planners, zoning officials, and building departments to streamline permitting processes.
• Ensure construction projects adhere to FAA, state, and local regulatory requirements for autonomous drone delivery infrastructure.
• Partner with Government Affairs to advocate for and navigate regulatory frameworks that impact site development.
• Construction Management & Execution:
• Work closely with customer real estate teams to seamlessly integrate Zipline infrastructure into both existing and newly designed facilities.
• Oversee site development, contractor selection, and on-site construction activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Establish and maintain project timelines, budgets, and contractor performance metrics

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Others) or Construction Management.
• Interest in real estate development, civil engineering, and/or construction management.
• Proficiency in construction scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project), Smartsheet, Bluebeam, (Revit / AutoCAD a bonus).
• Ability to interface with government officials, permitting agencies, and community stakeholders to advocate for and secure project approvals.
• Bonus: Experience working in aviation, logistics, or autonomous vehicle infrastructure.
• Strong candidates should have excellent communications and problem solving skills.
• The individual will be based at Zipline's headquarters in San Francisco. This position will be in-person, however, not on an active construction site. The majority of Zipline’s construction is happening in DFW as such, the role will be office based.