Robotics Engineering Intern

Location: On-site - San Francisco CA
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: March 2026
Compensation: internship

We are building an autonomous robots for construction sites. As a Robotics Engineering Intern, you will work closely with the founding engineering team to design, prototype, and test robotic mechanisms and integrated mechatronic subsystems. This role combines electromechanical integration, and applied robotics.

You will gain exposure to the full robotics development cycle: concept → CAD → fabrication → assembly → sensing & actuation → testing → iteration.

• 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)

• 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

• Recently completed degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field

• 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.)

• Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC)

• Experience with robotics competitions or projects

• Basic electronics skills (reading schematics, using multimeter)

• 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

• 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