Mechanical Engineering Intern (6-12 months)

Proception Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

Proception Inc. is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our robotics team in Palo Alto. You will help develop and test advanced humanoid hand systems, working with actuators, fixtures, and full-hand integration.

You’ll design components, run tests, and support iterations with hardware, firmware, and AI teams. The role offers real ownership, hands-on experience, and potential for full-time conversion based on performance.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of physics and engineering from first principles.
• Excellent communication and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience using CAD software to design parts with complex geometry.
• Experience with conventional machining and rapid prototyping.
• Experience with precision design and manufacturing.
• Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Experience with actuators and geartrains (strain‑wave, planetary, cycloidal, or ball screws).
• Experience with electromechanical integration (sensors, motors, motor drivers, wiring, buses).
• 1+ years of mechanical engineering industry experience, including owning products from concept to production.
• Experience with humanoids, exoskeletons, prosthetics, soft robots, or tendon drives.
• Experience with testing and validation of mechanical systems.
• Experience with basic python and C/C++ for scripting and testing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design structural components for humanoid robots.
• Perform testing and characterization of individual fingers and full hand systems.
• Develop mechanical test fixtures and jigs.
• Assist with debugging, tuning, and performance validation of hardware.
• Support design iterations based on test feedback and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and AI teams to build integrated robotic systems.
• High ownership and opportunity to contribute to the core of the company.
• Push the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and AI.
• Work alongside a world‑class robotics team.
• Hands‑on experience with next‑gen humanoid systems.
• Exposure to real‑world design, testing, and iteration cycles.
• Opportunity for full‑time conversion based on performance.

Skills

Physics fundamentals

Communication skills

CAD software

Machining & prototyping

Precision design

SolidWorks / Fusion 360

Actuators & geartrains

Electromechanical integration

1+ years experience

Humanoids & robotics

Testing & validation

Python / C++ scripting

Job description

At Proception, we are pioneering the future of robotics by developing highly dexterous humanoid manipulators and next-generation sensors. Our mission is to bridge the gap between human-like dexterity and robotics by combining cutting‑edge mechanical design, novel sensing technologies, and advanced control systems. We’re looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Engineering Intern to join our robotics team. You’ll play a key role in developing and testing advanced robotic hand systems, working closely with actuators, mechanical fixtures, and full‑hand integration.

Requirements

• 01 Strong understanding of fundamental physics and engineering from first principles
• 02 Strong communication skills and high attention to details
• 04 Experienced in using CAD software to design parts with complex geometry
• 05 Experience with conventional machining and rapid prototyping methods
• 06 Experience with precision design and manufacturing
• 07 Experience with SolidWorks or Fusion 360
• 08 Experience with actuators and geartrains (strain‑wave, planetary, cycloidal, or ball screws)
• 09 Experience with electromechanical integration (sensors, motors, motor drivers, wire harnesses, and communication buses)
• 10 1+ years of mechanical engineering industry experience, including owning products from concept to production
• 11 (+) Experience with humanoids, exoskeletons, prosthetics, soft robots, or tendon drives
• 12 (+) Experience with testing and validation of mechanical systems
• 13 (+) Experience with basic python and C/C++ for scripting and testing workflows

Responsibilities

• 01 Design structural components for humanoid robots
• 02 Perform testing and characterization of individual fingers and full hand systems
• 03 Develop mechanical test fixtures and jigs
• 04 Assist with debugging, tuning, and performance validation of hardware
• 05 Support design iterations based on test feedback and failure analysis
• 06 Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and AI teams to build integrated robotic systems
• 07 High ownership and opportunity to contribute to the core of the company
• 08 Push the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and AI
• 01 Work alongside a world‑class robotics team
• 02 Hands‑on experience with next‑gen humanoid systems
• 03 Exposure to real‑world design, testing, and iteration cycles
• 04 Opportunity for full‑time conversion based on performance