About You and The Role

The hardware test environment is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for building and maintaining Zipline’s engineering prototype fleet. As a Test Technician, you’ll play a key role in validating new designs, building and maintaining tester equipment, and providing rapid feedback to engineering teams. This is a highly hands-on role that requires a strong background in assembly, troubleshooting, and instrumentation, along with the ability to clearly communicate issues and propose improvements that increase reliability and efficiency.

This role is 100% on-site at our South San Francisco office, 5 days per week.

What You'll Do

• Build and test prototype hardware across a wide range of maturity levels, providing manufacturability and efficiency feedback to engineering teams.
• Assemble, commission, and maintain tester equipment used to validate new hardware.
• Instrument test articles with sensors and data acquisition systems, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Collaborate closely with hardware teams to identify issues, troubleshoot failures, and develop solutions.
• Proactively flag risks, inefficiencies, or opportunities for process improvements, and help implement changes.
• Design and prototype fixtures to support builds, tests, and maintenance tasks.
• Manage multiple hardware builds through various stages of mechanical and electrical testing.

What You'll Bring

• Experience with prototyping, assembly, or manufacturing of electro-mechanical systems.
• Hands-on skills in instrumentation (sensors, DAQ, wiring, calibration) and troubleshooting test setups.
• A high level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to deliver quickly under time pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical challenges and tradeoffs.
• A mix of skills such as soldering, harnessing, machining, technical documentation, or data analysis.

Bonus if you have:

• Familiarity with test automation or scripting (Python, C++, or similar).
• Ability to create or modify simple CAD models.

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs
• Comfort working with tools, chemicals, and hardware in a lab/manufacturing environment (including respirator use when required)
• Flexibility to support multiple shift schedules or overtime during high‑demand periods

What Else You Need to Know

The starting cash range for this role is $28-38/hr. 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, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.