Computational Physics Intern (Spring 2027)

Zipline is seeking an engineering intern for the Systems Modeling Team to develop computational tools that automate high-level design trades, optimizations, and sensitivity studies. The intern will improve simulation frameworks, build physics-based models for aircraft performance, and analyze test data to validate vehicle component models. This role directly supports critical architectural and operational decisions at the aircraft and fleet level.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational tools to automate high-level design trades, optimizations, and sensitivity studies
• Improve the performance and flexibility of simulation frameworks
• Build physics-based models that underlie aircraft performance simulations
• Analyze test data to validate vehicle component models

Requirements

• A drive to help people and make the world a better place
• A basic understanding of fundamental physics:
• Energy and power
• Heat transfer
• Electrical circuits
• Dynamics (kinematics, forces, moments, acceleration/rotation)
• Fluids and aerodynamics
• Passion for tackling challenging multidisciplinary problems
• The ability to recognize tradeoffs in the design of complex computational analysis frameworks
• Expertise in Matlab, Python, Julia, Rust, or similar; for modeling, simulation, optimization, and/or data analysis
• Proficiency in numerical methods

Nice to have

• Basic understanding of batteries, electric motors, and/or aircraft dynamics; and typical approaches to modeling them
• Experience interpreting experimental data
• Experience with model-based systems design, ideally in an extracurricular setting