Scale Prototyping Shop Intern - Innovation Works, Inc.

Innovation Works; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Innovation Works is looking for a Scale Prototyping Shop Intern in Pittsburgh. This internship will support robotics startups from product development through to manufacturing at scale.

The role includes maintaining equipment, supporting startup companies in fabrication, and ensuring a safe and organized workspace. Ideal candidates will have an academic background in engineering and hands-on experience with prototyping tools.

Benefits include a competitive salary, health insurance, and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with soldering, breadboarding, and prototyping tools.
• Interest in sharing knowledge and helping others troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers like Arduino and basic circuits.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain equipment preventative maintenance and repair procedures.
• Fabricate electrical and mechanical systems based on technical documentation.
• Support Robotics Factory Residents in fabricating their prototypes.

Skills

Hands-on experience with basic prototyping tools

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work flexible hours

Education

Academic background in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics engineering

Tools

3D printing

CAD software

Job description

Scale Prototyping Shop Intern

Internship, 16-29 hours/week (Grant Position)

Job Summary

The Robotics Factory (RF), led by Innovation Works, facilitates the formation, launch, and growth of robotics startups through three programs: Create, Accelerate, & Scale. This position falls under the Scale program and supports Robotics Factory users in product development from idea through prototyping to manufacturing at scale. The Scale Prototyping Shop Intern will report to the Manufacturing Program Manager and work closely with other members of the manufacturing team.

This is a unique opportunity to help bring a variety of new technologies to life. You’ll be working in an exciting new prototyping facility, the Scale Shop, and you will also have the opportunity to help select, purchase, operate, and maintain the shop’s equipment.

The Scale Prototyping Shop Intern will use their skills to support the prototyping of robotic systems and ensure the RF Scale Shop is a clean, safe, and well‑organized prototyping shop. They’ll also ensure the shop has the necessary equipment and supplies for robotics startups to rapidly iterate on their designs. The goal is to reduce their product development costs, time, and connect these entrepreneurs to the regional supply chain options.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, maintain, and implement equipment preventative maintenance and repair procedures; organize equipment manuals and technical documentation
• Maintain a culture of safety for themselves and others while working in a shared shop
• Troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues with prototyping equipment
• Fabricate electrical and mechanical systems based on technical documentation provided by RF-users or RF Scale teammates
• Support Robotics Factory Residents in fabricating their prototypes
• Ensure the shop stays clean, safe, and well‑organized by checking inventory, tidying up, and inspiring Residents to follow shop procedures
• Support the addition of new supplies, equipment, and software needed to assist startup companies
• Communicate effectively with RF-users & IW staff that possess a wide range of skills & experience

Secondary Responsibilities

• Use the Scale Shop resources to assist startup companies with mechanical fabrication, testing, and design for manufacturability
• Support the Manufacturing team in providing Level 1 & Level 2 Safety Training
• Support the Manufacturing team in regular preventative maintenance and repair of the Scale Shop equipment
• Assist in selecting prototyping equipment
• Support Innovation Works events, particularly RF Scale community building events like Tear Downs, First Thursday, and open shop Build Nights
• Review and provide feedback on the design and technical documentation
• Assist RF-users in electrical and mechanical component selection and procurement
• Create training and educational materials for design and fabrication techniques that utilize Scale Shop equipment

Qualifications & Skills, Required

• Academic background in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics engineering (or related fields)
• Hands‑on experience with basic prototyping tools: soldering, breadboarding, 3D printing, CAD, etc
• Familiarity with microcontrollers (Arduino, etc.) and simple circuits
• Interest in sharing knowledge and helping others troubleshoot technical challenges
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed

Qualifications & Skills, Preferred

• Experience with circuit design software (e.g., KiCad, Eagle)
• Programming experience in Python or C/C++
• Robotics or automation projects (coursework or personal)
• Prior experience in a makerspace, lab, or shared workshop
• Experience using electronic testing and analysis equipment (e.g., digital storage oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers) for performing signal analysis and data interpretation
• Experience analyzing, selecting, and sourcing electronic components for custom electromechanical systems and PCBs
• Entrepreneurial experience; ability to work with budgets, estimate costs, and manage time
• Experience working directly with external customers in a service capacity

Work Environment

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Must be able to work in a prototyping environment with exposure to noise, machinery, electrical, and other related hazards
• May require occasional evening and weekend shifts based on project demands

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) with company match
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Opportunities for career growth and continued training

Innovation Works provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.