Hardware Engineering Intern (Mechanical & Electrical)

Cognitioworld; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognitioworld is seeking an engineering intern in Los Angeles to support production readiness for next‑gen autonomous battery‑electric rail vehicles. You will work with a team to own a production subsystem from concept to implementation, and engage in design, testing, and field activities.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an engineering degree (EE/ME/Robotics), with strong problem solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Help drive progress toward initial production and ramp-up of next‑gen autonomous battery‑electric rail vehicles.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Robotics

Problem Solving

Education

Pursuing engineering degree (EE/ME/Robotics)

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Your Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving progress toward initial production and ramp-up of next-generation autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles.
• Owning and delivering a production subsystem or process from concept through implementation.
• Engaging in design and analysis work, process development and improvement, field testing, troubleshooting, and failure analysis.
• Potential projects include designing and implementing end-of-line testing for Mk3 pneumatic and brake systems, improving powertrain installation tooling, developing LV harness checkout test benches, installing Mk3 drag-on instrumentation systems, and implementing gearbox onboard sensor suites.
• Participating in onboarding, vehicle familiarization, facility visits, and pairing with engineers for project assignments.
• Completing full design cycles through implementation and field testing, culminating in final presentations and documentation handover.

About You

The company is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field (rising junior, senior, or graduate student).
• Self-motivated problem solver with personal ownership of challenges.
• Comfortable applying first-principles thinking to develop creative solutions beyond usual scope.
• Strong communication skills to present design work and field test results.
• Preferred qualifications include leadership experience on hands-on engineering teams (e.g., FSAE, solar car, Design Build Fly, Baja SAE), CAD proficiency for EE candidates, experience with electronics, coding, or PCBA design for ME candidates, and familiarity with design reviews, prototyping, and iterative hardware development cycles.

Compensation & Benefits

• Target hourly rate of $50 USD (base compensation only; final rate commensurate with candidate's level).