Hardware Reliability Intern [Winter 2027]
San Jose, CA
Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.
Figure's Hardware REL team is looking for a motivated Hardware Test Engineering Intern for an extended internship of 8-12 months. You will help design, build, and validate electromechanical test stations to evaluate the functionality, performance, and reliability of humanoid robot hardware. This hands-on role combines mechanical fixtures, electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, and motion control. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to solve practical integration challenges in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Responsibilities
- Design and build test fixtures and scalable test stations for functional, performance, and reliability testing of robotic components and subassemblies.
- Integrate mechanical fixtures, electrical wiring, data acquisition systems, power supplies, sensors, actuators, and controllers into complete test setups.
- Support the development of test procedures and pass/fail criteria based on hardware design requirements and expected operating conditions.
- Develop test sequences and modify test configurations to control test equipment, automate test operation, and collect and analyze measurement data.
- Perform test station bring-up and qualification, including checking measurement accuracy, repeatability, data capture, and safety interlocks.
- Execute tests, monitor hardware behavior, and document results, anomalies, and failures.
- Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause investigations across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces.
- Create and maintain fixture drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and test documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve test coverage, station reliability, and testing efficiency.
Requirements
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field, with at least two years completed by the start of the internship.
- Availability for an 8-12-month internship with in-office collaboration five days per week.
- A portfolio, website, or project examples demonstrating relevant hands-on work and your individual contributions.
- Hands-on experience designing, assembling, and testing mechanical or electromechanical systems through coursework, personal projects, internships, or engineering teams.
- Familiarity with basic electrical circuits, wiring, sensors, and laboratory equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, or bench power supplies.
- Basic programming experience in Python or a similar language for equipment control, test automation, or data analysis, and familiarity with Git.
- Ability to interpret test data, troubleshoot problems systematically, and document findings clearly.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines.
- Interest in robotics, hardware testing, and reliability engineering.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with mechanical CAD tools, particularly CATIA V6, or electrical schematic design tools.
- Experience with fixture design, 3D printing, machining, soldering, or other prototyping and fabrication methods.
- Experience integrating motors, motor controllers, load cells, encoders, thermocouples, or other test instrumentation.
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and communication interfaces such as CAN, serial, USB, or Ethernet.
- Experience with Python-based test automation, data visualization, or Linux.
- Familiarity with calibration, measurement uncertainty, gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GRR), or test-station qualification.
- Exposure to reliability testing, accelerated life testing, manufacturing testing, or failure analysis.
The US base pay range for this full-time position is $40.00 to $45.00 per hour.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.