Mechanical Engineer Intern (Spring-Summer 2026)

Deft AI•San Francisco, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is expected to start ASAP in March 2026 and continue through the Summer term (ending approximately August 2026) if available and there is an opportunity to do so. Our internship program is intended for students currently enrolled in an academic program. Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 12 weeks and are expected to be full-time and on-site during the summer. During the academic semester, part-time participation may be arranged to accommodate class schedules. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships. During your internship at Deft Robotics, you will be working on interesting new robotic humanoid hand/end-effector designs and new architectural concepts for Deft’s next generation wheeled humanoid robot, cooperating with and reporting directly to the CEO.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or equivalent degree
Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (Onshape preferred)
Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T is a bonus)
Hands-on prototyping experience
Experience with designing for both low volume manufacturing and high volume manufacturing
Experience taking designs from initial concept through to mass production
Basic understanding of electrical and thermal design fundamentals.
Familiarity with PCBAs and electronics packaging
Familiarity with the interdependencies between electronics, mechanics and embedded software
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in unstructured and high-pressure environments
Understanding of how to balance development speed versus product quality
Problem solving with first principles thinking
Curious and hungry to learn and grow

Nice To Haves

Experience with DFMEA
Python/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers
Familiarity with design for injection molding, overmolding, and polymers

Responsibilities

Design parts and assemblies in CAD
Apply analytical methods for the design and optimization of structures for mass, stiffness, cost, and manufacturing (hand calcs, tolerance analysis, FEA simulations, etc.)
Fabricate prototypes and iterate rapidly from concept to volume production
Work closely with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and develop implementations
Integrate actuators, sensors, and electronics including wiring into a space-efficient package conducive for assembly and serviceability
Manage suppliers to execute projects according to the design specifications and tight timelines
Develop specifications and accelerated test plans to validate the product for its determined lifetime
Design fixtures and equipment for testing and calibration in prototype and production environments