Mechanical Design Intern – Space Deployable Structures

About Arinna

Arinna is building the energy core of Space 3.0 and frontier tech. We’re pioneering ultra-light, power-dense solar platforms based on next-generation 2D semiconductors, enabling a step-change in how and where solar power can be deployed — from satellites and high-altitude aircraft to lunar and Martian infrastructure. Spun out of Stanford University, Arinna combines breakthroughs in materials science, device physics, and scalable manufacturing to deliver the most power-efficient and lightweight solar technology ever built.

With over $370M in LOIs/off-take agreements and a clear roadmap from pilot (2026) to gigawatt-scale production by 2030, we’re on a mission to power the next generation of space and terrestrial systems. We’re backed by leading deep‑tech investors and advised by industry pioneers. Our headquarters and pilot facility are in South San Francisco, CA, where we’re scaling our team across R&D, manufacturing, and systems integration.

The Mechanical Engineering Intern will lead the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of deployable solar array structures and mechanisms. This role provides hands‑on exposure to spaceflight hardware development across the full product lifecycle, from concept design through test and integration.

• Support mechanical design of deployable structures and mechanisms, including hinges, deployment systems, yokes, and locking features.
• Develop CAD models, drawings, and basic analyses for structural and mechanical components.
• Perform entry‑level structural, thermal, or dynamic analyses under guidance from senior engineers.
• Support design verification activities, including test planning, test setup, data collection, and post‑test analysis.
• Assist with hardware procurement, fabrication coordination, and build integration activities.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Masters in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Coursework or academic project experience involving mechanical design and analysis.
• Familiarity with CAD software and basic engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.

• Academic or internship experience related to mechanisms, structures, or deployable systems.
• Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or thermal analysis through coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as NX, Solid Works, or similar CAD platforms.
• Introductory experience with analysis tools such as Ansys, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent.
• Understanding of basic GD&T concepts.
• Interest in space systems, spacecraft structures, or aerospace hardware development.
• Experience working on hands‑on engineering projects, labs, or student design teams.

• Excellence in Execution:
  You bring rigor, precision, and attention to detail to every experiment.
• Collaborative Energy:
  You elevate those around you through positive engagement and open communication.
• Candor and Trust:
  You communicate with clarity and integrity to enable faster iteration and collective learning.
• Curiosity and Adaptability:
  You embrace the unknown as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and improve.
• Mission Focus:
  You are motivated by impact and driven to help build technology that advances the clean energy future.