# Mechanical Engineer Intern (Spring-Summer 2026) at Deft AI

- Company: Deft AI
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Type: Internship · Internship
- Posted: 2026-04-15
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/deft-ai/1bef1405-cd24-4da7-b1e7-0ca02e8f5eb2
- Page: https://newgrad.ai/jobs/mechanical-engineer-intern-spring-summer-2026-484d8d64

## Summary by newgrad.ai

What you'll do:

- Design and optimize robotic humanoid hand and end-effector components.
- Perform structural analysis, FEA simulations, and tolerance stack-up calculations.
- Build, test, and iterate on prototypes for next-generation humanoid robots.
- Coordinate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to meet production timelines.

What they're looking for:

- Current Bachelor’s or Master’s students in engineering or robotics fields.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling software and engineering drawing standards.
- Hands-on experience with prototyping and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to integrate electronics and sensors into compact mechanical designs.

Pay and perks:

- $20-$55/hr.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with no payroll deductions.
- Daily meal stipend.

## Posting

### What to Expect

● This position is expected to start ASAP in March 2026 and continue through the Summer term (ending approximately August 2026) if available and there is an opportunity to do so.

● Our internship program is intended for students currently enrolled in an academic program. Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 12 weeks and are expected to be full-time and on-site during the summer. During the academic semester, part-time participation may be arranged to accommodate class schedules. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships.

● During your internship at Deft Robotics, you will be working on interesting new robotic humanoid hand/end-effector designs and new architectural concepts for Deft’s next generation wheeled humanoid robot, cooperating with and reporting directly to the CEO.

### What you'll do

- Design parts and assemblies in CAD
- Apply analytical methods for the design and optimization of structures for mass, stiffness, cost, and manufacturing (hand calcs, tolerance analysis, FEA simulations, etc.)
- Fabricate prototypes and iterate rapidly from concept to volume production
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and develop implementations
- Integrate actuators, sensors, and electronics including wiring into a space-efficient package conducive for assembly and serviceability
- Manage suppliers to execute projects according to the design specifications and tight timelines
- Develop specifications and accelerated test plans to validate the product for its determined lifetime
- Design fixtures and equipment for testing and calibration in prototype and production environments

### Required Qualifications

- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or equivalent degree
- Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (Onshape preferred)
- Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T is a bonus)
- Hands-on prototyping experience
- Experience with designing for both low volume manufacturing and high volume manufacturing
- Experience taking designs from initial concept through to mass production
- Basic understanding of electrical and thermal design fundamentals.
- Familiarity with PCBAs and electronics packaging
- Familiarity with the interdependencies between electronics, mechanics and embedded software
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work in unstructured and high-pressure environments
- Understanding of how to balance development speed versus product quality
- Problem solving with first principles thinking
- Curious and hungry to learn and grow

### Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with DFMEA
- Python/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers
- Familiarity with design for injection molding, overmolding, and polymers

### Benefits

Medical, dental & vision plans ($0 payroll deduction)

Daily meals stipend

### Expected Compensation

● $20-$55/hr + benefits

From Deft AI's public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.

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