Special Projects Intern [Fall 2026]

Figureai; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

Figure, an AI robotics company headquartered in San Jose, is seeking a Special Projects Intern to develop robot behaviors and software for external events during Fall 2026. You will work directly with engineers and operations leads to bring humanoid robots to life in high-visibility settings, building demonstrations and ensuring reliable performance.

This hands-on role requires strong Python skills, AI/ML experience in robotics, and the ability to work hands-on with hardware under tight

Qualifications

• Graduate student (Master's or PhD) pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 weeks internship, 1 to 2 terms preferred.
• Strong software engineering skills, with proficiency in Python.
• Experience applying AI or machine learning, ideally in a robotics context.
• Working knowledge of robotics fundamentals, such as control, kinematics, or motion planning.
• Ability to work hands‑on with hardware and iterate quickly under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine robot behaviors used in external events, demos, and deployments.
• Write and maintain software that drives robot demonstrations, including behavior sequencing and control logic.
• Test behaviors on hardware, iterate quickly, and debug issues in the lab and on site.
• Support event execution, including setup, rehearsals, and live troubleshooting.
• Collaborate across engineering and operations teams to deliver polished, reliable demonstrations.

Skills

Python

AI/ML in Robotics

Robotics fundamentals

Education

Master’s or PhD in Computer Science / Robotics

Tools

ROS

Linux

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA.

We are looking for a Special Projects Intern to develop robot behaviors and software for external events during Fall 2026. This role works directly with engineers and operations leads to bring humanoid robots to life in high‑visibility, real‑world settings. You will build and refine the behaviors robots perform on stage and on site, write the software that drives those demonstrations, and help ensure everything runs reliably under pressure. This is a hands‑on role for someone who wants to see their code running on real humanoid robots in front of real audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine robot behaviors used in external events, demos, and deployments.
• Write and maintain software that drives robot demonstrations, including behavior sequencing and control logic.
• Test behaviors on hardware, iterate quickly, and debug issues in the lab and on site.
• Support event execution, including setup, rehearsals, and live troubleshooting.
• Collaborate across engineering and operations teams to deliver polished, reliable demonstrations.

Requirements

• Graduate student (Master's or PhD) pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 weeks internship, 1 to 2 terms preferred.
• Strong software engineering skills, with proficiency in Python.
• Experience applying AI or machine learning, ideally in a robotics context.
• Working knowledge of robotics fundamentals, such as control, kinematics, or motion planning.
• Ability to work hands‑on with hardware and iterate quickly under tight timelines.

Bonus Qualifications

• Prior experience developing robot behaviors or working with humanoid or legged robots.
• Comfortable working in Linux and debugging on real hardware.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $40 - $45/hr.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.