About the role#
Foundation is seeking a Mechanical Engineer Intern to contribute to the development of dexterous hands and fingers for humanoid robotics. This role focuses on solving complex mechanical engineering challenges, including linkage geometry, tendon routing, and pulley systems. You will work on custom-designed components, ensuring that the mechanical architecture meets the precise operational requirements of the robotics platform.
What you'll do#
- Design parts and manage CAD work for robotic hands from the start.
- Perform tolerancing analysis and design iterations on linkage geometry and tendon routing.
- Create custom components rather than integrating off-the-shelf products.
- Collaborate with controls and sensor teams to define mechanical architecture and operational parameters.
- Engage in hands-on engineering, including prototyping and fabrication.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, with coursework in classical mechanics, materials science, and structural engineering.
- Strong understanding of kinematics and mechanism design, including analyzing four-bar linkages and computing Jacobians.
- Proficiency in parametric CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA for modeling complex multi-body assemblies.
- Understanding of tolerance analysis and GD&T, including worst-case or RSS methods.
- Basic experience with FEA tools like SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS.
- Familiarity with tendon-driven and linkage-driven actuation, contact mechanics, and designing for lightweight structures.
Location & details#
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Term: Summer 2026
- Modality: On-site
- Employment: Full-time
- Compensation: Paid internship
- Sponsorship: No sponsorship available
How to get in at Foundation
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