Robotics Hardware Build & Test Intern (Mechanical)

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Strata is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to bring robot hardware from design into reality over a 3-month Fall internship. You will work hands-on across prototype manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test, turning early concepts into functioning hardware systems on a fast-moving project.

You will own CAD development in NX for subsystems, perform mechanism design and analysis, support prototype bring-up, design test fixtures, and help maintain a productive build environment while

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience building, manufacturing, and testing complex mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with CAD and mechanical design workflows.
• Experience creating fixtures or custom hardware for build and test.
• Comfort working in a shop or lab with strong ownership.
• Experience in build-focused teams such as robotics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own CAD development in NX for subsystems, taking mechanisms from early concept sketches through detailed part design, assembly modeling, and release-ready drawings.
• Perform mechanism design and analysis (motion studies, interference/clearance checks, load paths, tolerance stacks) to validate design intent before parts are cut.
• Support prototype manufacturing, assembly, and bring-up across Strata's robot subsystems, translating your own CAD work into physical hardware.
• Design and fabricate test fixtures, assembly aids, and other hardware needed for efficient integration and validation.
• Write test plans and support execution of benchtop, subsystem, and integrated hardware tests.
• Troubleshoot mechanical integration issues during build, assembly, and prototype iteration, feeding lessons learned back into CAD and drawings.
• Create CAD updates, drawings, and documentation (GD&T, BOMs, revision control) to support fabrication, assembly, and design changes.
• Work closely with the engineering team to improve build quality, test readiness, and hardware reliability.
• Help maintain an organized, high-functioning build environment across parts, tools, and active prototypes.

Skills

Mechanical Eng

Hands-on build

NX CAD

Prototype testing

Documentation

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Strata is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to bring robot hardware from design into reality over a 3-month Fall internship. You will work hands-on across prototype manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test, turning early concepts into functioning hardware systems on a fast-moving project.

You will own CAD development in NX for subsystems, perform mechanism design and analysis, support prototype bring-up, design test fixtures, and help maintain a productive build environment while