About the role#
Figure is looking for a Special Projects Intern for the Fall 2026 term. You will work with engineers and operations leads to bring humanoid robots to life in high-visibility settings. This role involves building and refining the behaviors robots perform on stage and on site. You will write the software that drives these demonstrations and help ensure they run reliably under pressure. This is a hands-on position for someone who wants to see their code running on real humanoid robots in front of audiences.
What you'll do#
- Develop and refine robot behaviors for 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.
What you'll need#
- Graduate student (Master's or PhD) pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 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.
- Prior experience developing robot behaviors or working with humanoid or legged robots is a plus.
- Comfort working in Linux and debugging on real hardware.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Duration: Minimum 10 weeks, 1 to 2 terms preferred.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: $40 - $45/hr.
- This is a full-time, paid internship. We do not provide sponsorship for this role.
About Figure
Figure builds autonomous humanoid robots for commercial use. The company operates in the machinery manufacturing sector. It was founded in 2022 and maintains its headquarters in San Jose, California. The organization employs between 201 and 500 people.
How to get in at Figure
Applying early at Figure gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and ensure your materials are seen early. Reaching out to the right person often beats waiting in a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which often improves your response rate.
