Opportunities in San Francisco, United States

What to Expect ● 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. What you'll do ● 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 Required Qualifications ● 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 Preferred Qualifications ● 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 Benefits Medical, dental & vision plans ($0 payroll deduction) Daily meals stipend Expected Compensation ● $20-$55/hr + benefits