Mechanical Engineer Intern

Portfolios are required for this position. Any application without a linked portfolio will be rejected. Read This Portfolio Guide

Having a portfolio is essential when applying for a Mechanical Design Engineering position. Without it, it's like trying to get a job as a chef without letting anyone taste your food or as a painter without showing your artwork. If you don't have one, it's best to wait to submit your application until you do, as your resume may get passed over otherwise.

A good portfolio demonstrates that you are invested in your career and are willing to put effort into presenting yourself professionally.

Don't forget that "DESIGN" is in the name "Mechanical Design Engineering", so it's crucial to showcase your design skills.

Here's what you should include in your portfolio:

Screenshots of CAD projects you've worked on

Photos or videos of physical builds you've completed

Detailed descriptions of your projects and your specific contributions, especially if it was a team effort

Discussion of challenges and iterations you overcame during the project

Make sure to add your personal projects and work done outside of school assignments. Hiring managers like to see candidates' passion and evidence that they're pursuing challenging projects on their own, rather than just completing classroom assignments.

Your portfolio doesn't have to be extravagant. It can be a simple PDF or hosted on Git Hub. The most important thing is to showcase your projects.

*** NOTE
* ** This job requires a portfolio to apply. Directions for applying with a portfolio are provided on the website application form.

Trossen Robotics is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineering Intern to support our R&D and product development team. This role is ideal for students or early learners who want real‑world experience working on robotics systems and learning how products move from concept to production.

This is not a purely academic role — interns will spend significant time building, testing, iterating, and supporting real engineering projects.

You will work closely with our mechanical engineers and production team to help bring robotic systems to life. If you are someone who likes to build, tinker, and learn by doing, this is an opportunity to gain practical engineering experience that goes beyond the classroom.

• Creating and updating 3D drawings and basic CAD models
• Supporting engineering documentation for production
• Assisting with prototype assembly and testing
• Working with production to help roll out new products to the assembly floor
• Designing and building jigs, fixtures, and test setups
• Performing R&D testing, including long‑duration stress testing (e.g., cable testing rigs running 24/7)
• Assisting with fabrication and prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, light machining, etc.)
• Helping develop experimental components, such as molds for gripper fingers and other custom parts
• Organizing and maintaining test data, parts, and engineering materials

• Basic familiarity with CAD software (Fusion 360, Solid Works, etc.)
• Interest in mechanical design, robotics, or product development
• Comfortable working with tools and hands‑on builds
• Basic understanding of manufacturing methods (helpful but not required)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow instructions
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn

• Real‑world application of mechanical design and prototyping
• How products transition from R&D to production
• Fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Hands‑on experience with testing, validation, and iteration
• Exposure to robotic systems integration and development workflows
• How to work effectively in a fast‑paced engineering environment

• Currently pursuing (or recently started) a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Enjoys hands‑on work more than purely theoretical work
• Curious, self‑motivated, and not afraid to ask questions
• Interested in robotics and building real systems

Trossen Robotics is an industry leader in the field of research and educational robotics. We specialize in designing, developing, and integrating manipulators and UGVs. You may have even seen our platforms in your lab. We are proud to say that as a small company, our robotic kits are in use by every major university and research institution in the USA, along with Fortune 100 tech companies in a variety of industries.

We are located in the Chicago suburbs in Downers Grove. Candidates will need to have transportation.