Autonomous Systems Hardware Intern

First Order Effects; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 27,552 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Competitive hourly pay $20-$35

Job summary

First Order Effects is seeking an Operations Engineering Intern to work on real systems in Austin, TX. You will build and test hardware, own projects end-to-end, run procedures, manage procurement, and help unblock engineers in a seed-stage hardware environment.

Expect hands-on work with real deadlines, shipping components, and a culture of direct contribution. On-site in Austin, with a 2–6 month term, paid hourly compensation, and meaningful, tangible impact.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, industrial, or a related engineering field.
• Evidence you build things outside of class: FSAE, rocketry, robotics, solar car, a shop job, or a garage project.

Responsibilities

• Build real hardware. Assembly, integration, and test of MESH Box and SURGE systems.
• Own projects end-to-end: scope, design, build, test, document; fixtures, jigs, test rigs, harnesses, ground support equipment.
• Run tests: write procedures, instrument hardware, collect data, interpret results for shop and waterfront.
• Wrangle the supply chain: source parts, chase vendors, drive procurement, keep builds moving.
• Unblock engineers: fix missing tools, broken processes, or automate spreadsheets into scripts.
• Whatever the mission needs: seed-stage environment with rapidly evolving priorities.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical knowledge

English proficiency

Education

Engineering in progress (mechanical/electrical/aerospace/industrial)

Job description

First Order Effects is seeking an Operations Engineering Intern to work on real systems in Austin, TX. You will build and test hardware, own projects end-to-end, run procedures, manage procurement, and help unblock engineers in a seed-stage hardware environment.

Expect hands-on work with real deadlines, shipping components, and a culture of direct contribution. On-site in Austin, with a 2–6 month term, paid hourly compensation, and meaningful, tangible impact.