Location:
On-site - San Francisco CA
Duration:
3–6 months (flexible)
Start Date:
Feb 1st
About the Role
We are building an autonomous rebar tying robot for construction sites. As a Mechanical / Robotics Engineering Intern, you will work closely with the founding engineering team to design, prototype, assemble, and test robotic mechanisms and integrated mechatronic subsystems. This role combines mechanical design, electromechanical integration, and applied robotics.
You will gain exposure to the full robotics development cycle: concept → CAD → fabrication → assembly → sensing & actuation → testing → iteration.
What You’ll Do
Mechanical & Mechatronics
- Design mechanical parts and assemblies in CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
- Prototype mechanisms for gripping, feeding, cutting, and tying wire
- Select motors, gearboxes, bearings, fasteners, springs, and structural components
- Build and assemble robot subsystems and test fixtures
- Perform bench testing and characterize force, speed, accuracy, backlash, and durability
Robotics & Integration
- Integrate actuators, encoders, limit switches, force sensors, and other sensors into mechanisms
- Assist with motor control tuning (PID, current/velocity/position control)
- Support integration with embedded controllers and robot compute platform
- Help bring up hardware in ROS / ROS2 (launch files, topics, TF, basic debugging)
- Participate in system-level integration between mechanical hardware, electronics, and software
- Help debug electromechanical issues (misalignment, noise, vibration, wiring faults, grounding)
Experimentation & Iteration
- Design and execute experiments to validate mechanisms
- Analyze results and propose design improvements
- Iterate quickly based on test and field feedback
- Document designs, test results, and assembly procedures
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing or recently completed degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field
- Experience with CAD and mechanical design
- Hands-on prototyping experience
- Basic understanding of robotics fundamentals (kinematics, actuators, sensors)
- Familiarity with at least one programming language (C/C++)
- Comfortable working in Linux environment
- Experience with microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, ESP32, etc.)
What We’re Looking For
- Builder mindset with strong curiosity
- Comfortable with ambiguity and fast iteration
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Willingness to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
- Ownership mentality
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience building an autonomous construction robot
- Exposure to real-world robotics product development
- Opportunity to contribute to core product architecture
Potential for full-time offer based on performance
