As a Mechanical Design Engineer Intern, you'll take ownership of a high-impact project aimed at transforming how engineering teams work. You’ll identify a repetitive, time-consuming, or error-prone process within mechanical design—such as drawing validation, BOM management, or compliance checks—and lead the development of an AI-driven tool to streamline it.
What You’ll Do
- Diagnose and define a key engineering workflow challenge in Module or Plant Design, then design and test an AI-enabled solution that delivers measurable improvements in speed, accuracy, or capability.
- Build a functional, user-friendly prototype—whether a script, lightweight application, or integrated workflow—that engineers can adopt and extend.
- Collaborate with mechanical engineers and cross-functional partners to ensure your solution aligns with real-world design constraints and existing systems like CAD, PDM, or document control platforms.
- Document your approach thoroughly, including test cases, limitations, and instructions, so others can maintain and improve the tool after your internship.
- Present your solution through demos and walkthroughs, gather feedback, and support adoption across the team.
- Engage actively in technical discussions, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced hardware development environment.
What We’re Looking For
You’re someone who thrives on structure, clarity, and innovation. You’re comfortable turning ambiguous problems into actionable plans and enjoy working at the intersection of mechanical design and intelligent automation.
- Strong communication skills: You can explain technical concepts clearly in writing and visuals, tailored to different audiences.
- Systems thinker: You naturally organize complex workflows and create repeatable processes others can follow.
- AI experience: You’ve built or experimented with AI-assisted tools for design, analysis, or documentation, and understand where automation adds value—and where human judgment is essential.
- Fundamental knowledge of mechanical design principles, including CAD (SolidWorks preferred), GD&T, BOMs, and engineering drawings. Coursework or experience in FEA or thermal analysis is a plus.
- Problem-solving mindset: You methodically test, debug, and refine solutions to ensure reliability under real-world conditions.
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, design, or a related field—we value your output and curiosity more than your major.
Technical Environment
You’ll work with tools including SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM, Arena, Notion, Google Sheets, and AI technologies such as large language models, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Internship Details
- 10-week, on-site internship in San Jose, CA
- Two start date options: June 2nd or June 16th
- Hourly rate: $35/hour for undergraduates, $40/hour for post-graduates (final offer based on experience and academic level)
- Opportunity to create lasting workflows that continue to benefit the team after your internship
- Work within a diverse, passionate team committed to advancing clean energy and U.S. manufacturing
Our Culture
We put mission and team first. We value humility, openness, and creativity. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work, and we’re dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change.
