Technical Program Manager Intern - Software & Hardware (Summer 2025)

As a Technical Program Manager Intern at Zipline, your primary responsibilities will include understanding technical and program risks, managing cross-functional teams, executing plans for new hardware development, and driving prototype test activities. Your role will be crucial in facilitating meetings and ensuring project milestones are met efficiently.

To qualify for the Technical Program Manager Intern role at Zipline, candidates should have completed at least their second year of undergraduate studies in relevant fields like Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Science. Key qualifications include familiarity with board design, software engineering concepts, and excellent communication skills.

Essential skills for the Technical Program Manager Internship at Zipline include strong communication capabilities, ability to explain complex challenges, rapid adaptability to technical concepts, and a proactive approach to driving clarity amid ambiguity. Enthusiasm for teamwork and ownership are highly valued as well.

The Technical Program Manager Intern position at Zipline is a full-time, in-person role located at our South San Francisco office. Interns are expected to work on-site five days a week during the summer internship period from May to August.

The expected pay range for the Technical Program Manager Intern role at Zipline is between $38 to $42 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. The total compensation package may also include benefits such as overtime pay and paid sick time.

To manage technical risks effectively, you should identify potential issues early by collaborating closely with team members across engineering disciplines. Develop a mitigation plan with clear action items, and communicate updates regularly to stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page.

In answering this question, reflect on a specific project where you worked with diverse teams. Highlight your role in facilitating communication among team members and any tools or strategies you used to align priorities and achieve project objectives.

When discussing your experience, mention specific projects or coursework where you engaged with board design or software development. Be sure to outline the challenges you faced and the solutions you implemented, demonstrating your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Explain your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using a project management tool or creating a priority matrix. Stress the importance of understanding project timelines and aligning tasks with team goals to manage competing demands efficiently.

When explaining a technical challenge to a non-engineer, use simple language and relatable analogies. Focus on the main points that matter to them, breaking down complex concepts into digestible parts while ensuring the context of the problem is clear.

The biggest challenge is often ensuring alignment and clear communication among diverse team members. Emphasize your belief in the need for ongoing dialogue, regular check-ins, and fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

In handling unexpected changes, I stay adaptable and embrace the uncertainty. I recommend assessing the impact of the change, communicating promptly with the team, and revisiting project priorities to ensure we maintain momentum despite the shifts.

Keeping stakeholders informed requires a regular cadence of updates. Strategies might include weekly status reports, project dashboards, and scheduled review meetings, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and aware of project developments.

Express your passion for Zipline's mission and the innovative technology behind drone delivery systems. Talk about your desire to contribute to impactful projects and learn from a forward-thinking team dedicated to equity in healthcare accessibility.

Articulate your long-term career aspirations and discuss how the Technical Program Manager Internship at Zipline fits into that vision. Focus on the skills you want to develop and the experiences you hope to gain that will propel you toward your goals.