Mechanical Engineering Intern

Trossen Robotics; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Trossen Robotics is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Intern in Downers Grove, IL, to support R&D and product development. This internship provides hands-on experience, allowing students to work closely with mechanical engineers and participate in various engineering projects, from CAD modeling to prototype testing.

The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, enjoys practical work, and is eager to learn. Skills such as familiarity with CAD software and hands-on build experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks) is helpful.
• Must enjoy hands-on work and have a curious mindset.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and update 3D drawings and basic CAD models.
• Support engineering documentation for production.
• Assist with prototype assembly and testing.
• Help roll out new products to the assembly floor.
• Design and build jigs, fixtures, and test setups.

Skills

Basic familiarity with CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.)

Interest in mechanical design, robotics, or product development

Comfortable working with tools and hands-on builds

Basic understanding of manufacturing methods

Strong attention to detail

Positive attitude and eagerness to learn

Education

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Trossen Robotics – Greater Chicago Area (On-site)

Position: Mechanical Engineering Intern

Employment Type: Internship (Part-time or Full-time, Seasonal)

Location: Downers Grove, IL

This job requires a portfolio to apply. Please have a link to your portfolio on your resume.

We have information on how to make a good portfolio here: https://www.trossenrobotics.com/careers/junior-mechanical-engineer

Trossen Robotics is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineering Intern to support our R&D and product development team. This role is ideal for students or early learners who want real‑world experience working on robotics systems and learning how products move from concept to production.

This is not a purely academic role – interns will spend significant time building, testing, iterating, and supporting real engineering projects. You will work closely with our mechanical engineers and production team to help bring robotic systems to life.

If you are someone who likes to build, tinker, and learn by doing, this is an opportunity to gain practical engineering experience that goes beyond the classroom.

What You’ll Be Working On:

• Creating and updating 3D drawings and basic CAD models
• Supporting engineering documentation for production
• Assisting with prototype assembly and testing
• Working with production to help roll out new products to the assembly floor
• Designing and building jigs, fixtures, and test setups
• Performing R&D testing, including long‑duration stress testing (e.g., cable testing rigs running 24/7)
• Assisting with fabrication and prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, light machining, etc.)
• Helping develop experimental components, such as molds for gripper fingers and other custom parts
• Organizing and maintaining test data, parts, and engineering materials

Skills & Experience

• Basic familiarity with CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.)
• Interest in mechanical design, robotics, or product development
• Comfortable working with tools and hands‑on builds
• Basic understanding of manufacturing methods (helpful but not required)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow instructions
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn

What You’ll Learn:

• Real‑world application of mechanical design and prototyping
• How products transition from R&D to production
• Fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Hands‑on experience with testing, validation, and iteration
• Exposure to robotic systems integration and development workflows
• How to work effectively in a fast‑paced engineering environment

Ideal Candidate:

• Currently pursuing (or recently started) a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Enjoys hands‑on work more than purely theoretical work
• Curious, self‑motivated, and not afraid to ask questions
• Interested in robotics and building real systems

Trossen Robotics is an industry leader in research and educational robotics. Our platforms are used by major universities, research institutions, and Fortune 100 companies across the United States.

We specialize in the design, development, and integration of robotic manipulators and mobile platforms, and we pride ourselves on giving engineers real opportunities to build and learn.