Intern - Mechanical Engineer

Human Computer Lab; San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Human Computer Lab is a robotics startup and research lab building expressive robots that feel alive and responsive. Our first robot, LeLamp, explores a new category of consumer robotics where everyday objects become interactive and help us reshape our attachment to technology.

Our goal is to push the frontier of human-robot interaction by making technology more legible, emotionally intuitive, and human-centered. We are building the foundation for a new generation of robots designed for everyday environments.

What to expect

In this role, you will be responsible for building the robotics hardware systems that power robot expression, communication, and behavior. You will work closely with ML/software engineers to develop expressive companions, build real-time robotics systems, and integrate robotic hardware with machine learning — turning research and simulation into reliable, production-ready robots.

In this role, you will:

• Develop robotic hardware that physically expresses perception, intelligence, and behavior

• Build robotic hardware that supports tasks such as computer vision, audio processing, and interaction understanding

• Integrate ML systems with robotic hardware and embedded systems

• Improve robot perception, responsiveness, and expression

• Collaborate with ML/software engineers to build expressive robotics systems

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field

• Have experience designing robotics hardware and electronics

• Have experience in prototyping and building with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and PCBs

• Have strong CAD skills using tools such as Onshape, SolidWorks, Fusion360, or similar, as well as proficiency in 3D printing

• Have experience with human computer interaction as it relates to robots, especially robots in the home

• Are comfortable jumping into unfamiliar systems and can create order through chaos.

• Care about users and feel ownership over outcomes, even for systems you don\'t own.

• Think holistically about systems and approach complex problems with creative, outside-the-box solutions.

You will be a strong fit, if you:

• Are passionate about building and experimenting with hardware

• Move quickly and work well in rapid iteration cycles.

• Take ownership over the systems they design and build.

• Are curious, resourceful, and motivated to solve difficult problems.

• Work well in small, collaborative teams.

• Consider not just what immediately works, but how consumers will engage with robots.

The early team becomes the DNA of the company. We set ourselves and others to a high standard, and we respond with kindness when things get hard but keep everyone accountable. This requires us to be curious, creative, and diverse in our thinking and approach.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria - we don’t want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.