Hardware Engineer Intern, Manufacturing Operations [Summer 2027]

About Our Internship Program

Zoox's internship program offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, mentorship from some of the industry's brightest minds, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to real projects. We seek interns who demonstrate strong academic performance, engagement beyond the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in Zoox's mission.

Job Description

Manufacturing Operations builds Zoox vehicles at production scale. Interns work on the tools, processes and systems that move the vehicle from prototype to production, alongside engineers on the floor.Interns in this pipeline may be considered for opportunities across a range of teams, including:

• Manufacturing Engineering: Assists with manufacturing processes such as line balancing, sets up stations, and supports manufacturing systems issues on the floor.
• Test & Diagnostics: Develops test automation and diagnostic tools that support vehicle production, such as end-of-line testers, sensor pods, and PCU test equipment.
• Logistics: Optimizes warehouse operations, inventory accuracy, and packaging that ensures on-time line-side delivery and protects product while minimizing cost.
• Prototyping: Develops automated CNC part programming with the mechanical prototype and fabrication teams.
• Advanced Hardware Manufacturing: Industrializes new hardware designs for production, optimizes manufacturing and warehouse processes, and assists in line-balancing station set-up and manufacturing operations on the floor.
• Technical Program Management & Manufacturing Intelligence: Acts as a TPM-in-training on programs for manufacturing teams or operational excellence, and builds AI analytics and tools for Manufacturing Operations.
• Data Governance: Works on data governance for manufacturing data.

In this Role, You Could Potentially Work On...

• Developing test automation, diagnostics or analysis tools for vehicle production
• Improving a manufacturing, assembly or logistics process using data
• Hands-on with production hardware alongside cross-functional engineers
• Presenting findings and recommendations to manufacturing and engineering stakeholders

Requirements

• Currently working towards a B.S., M.S., or advanced degree in a relevant engineering program (mechanical, computer, electrical, industrial, manufacturing or systems engineering)
• Good academic standing
• Expected to graduate between Fall 2027 and Summer 2028, and enrolled at an accredited college or university throughout the internship
• Able to commit to a full-time, 12-week internship beginning in May/June 2027
• Ability to relocate to the Bay Area, California, for the duration of the internship
• Interns at Zoox may not use any proprietary information they are working on as part of their thesis, any published work with their university, or to be distributed to anyone outside of Zoox

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of process optimization, such as build sequencing, task time analysis and line layout
• Ability to assist in developing and documenting work instructions and procedures
• Scripting or automation skills in Python or a similar language
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong organization and communication skills, and comfort working on a production floor

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous experience in the automotive industry or a manufacturing or prototyping environment
• Experience with MES, SAP or ERP systems, or with CAD and CNC programming
• Experience with data analysis in Python, SQL or Databricks