Mechanical Engineering Intern

This role is centered on developing structures, mechanisms, and assemblies that must perform reliably in high-temperature, high-power environments. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team, from whiteboard sketches through prototyping and physical testing, and gain rare exposure to the full hardware development cycle at a fast-moving startup.

• Want to help reduce energy use in manufacturing.
• Are comfortable with ambiguity. Our system is novel; there are no textbooks with the answers. Creative, cross-disciplinary thinking is essential.
• Want to see your work matter quickly. In a lean startup, your contributions go directly into the machine.
• Are genuinely curious about advanced manufacturing and materials science.
• Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and communicate clearly across technical disciplines.

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for metal additive manufacturing systems, with an emphasis on high-temperature and high-load conditions.
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and supporting mechanical documentation using Fusion 360 or equivalent software.
• Build and assemble functional prototypes using rapid prototyping techniques, machining, and off-the-shelf hardware.
• Conduct mechanical testing under real operating conditions; collect data, analyze results, and document findings.
• Perform failure analysis on prototype components and iterate designs to address identified weaknesses.
• Collaborate with electrical and robotics engineers to ensure mechanical designs integrate cleanly with sensors, actuators, and control hardware.
• Support the development of assembly SOPs and test procedures as the system matures toward pilot-scale operation.

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software.
• Hands-on prototyping experience - you have built real hardware and are comfortable with tools and lab equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with a safety-conscious mindset, particularly around high-temperature systems.

• Coursework or project experience in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, or materials selection.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis, or design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys, or Fusion 360 Simulation) for structural or thermal analysis.
• Prior internship, research lab, or maker-space experience in a hardware-focused environment.
• Any exposure to additive manufacturing or high-temperature processing is a plus, but not required.

• Hands-on experience at the frontier of metal additive manufacturing.
• Direct mentorship from the founding engineering team.
• A lean, collaborative environment where your ideas are heard and acted upon quickly.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments; full-time or part-time arrangements considered.
• The opportunity to contribute to NSF-funded research with real-world industrial applications.