Mechanical Engineering Intern: Rugged Compute Payloads

Who are We?

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

About the Job At Field AI, we build autonomous robotic systems that operate in demanding, real-world environments where reliable hardware is just as critical as the software running on it. We’re looking for a driven, hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern to own the mechanical design and thermal management of a new ruggedized compute payload for our robotic platforms.

In this role, you will be responsible for full-cycle hardware development: from initial concepts and Solidworks CAD, to sizing heat sinks using first-principles and hand calculations, to working directly with machine shops to get your parts fabricated. You will sit with our hardware team and see your designs built, integrated, and deployed on real robots.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Own the Payload Design: Use Solidworks to design robust, ruggedized enclosures and mounting systems for our edge-compute modules.

• Thermal Management: Apply engineering rules of thumb, hand calculations, and first principles of heat transfer to design and size heat sinks, ensuring our compute platforms stay cool in harsh outdoor environments.

• Prototyping & Fabrication: Create detailed manufacturing drawings and collaborate directly with internal and external machine shops to fabricate your designs.

• Hardware Integration: Work hands-on to assemble your payload, integrate it onto our wheeled robotic platforms, and validate its mechanical and thermal performance.

• Iterate and Improve: Participate in design reviews, analyze field testing data, and rapidly iterate on your mechanical designs to improve SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power).

What You Have

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong proficiency in Solidworks for 3D part design, large assemblies, and 2D drafting.

• Solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer, with the ability to perform practical hand calculations for thermal management (e.g., heat sink sizing, conduction/convection estimates).

• Hands-on experience with prototyping and fabrication (e.g., manual machining, 3D printing, sheet metal) and a strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM).

• Excellent communication skills, particularly when communicating technical requirements and tolerances to machine shops.

• A strong ownership mindset and a desire to build hardware that works in the real world, not just on paper.

The Extras That Set You Apart

• Active participation in a hands-on student design team (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Rover teams, or Robotics clubs).

• Prior project or internship experience involving electronics packaging, ruggedized enclosures, or thermal management.

• Familiarity with environmental testing concepts (e.g., shock, vibration, IP water/dust ratings).

• Experience with basic FEA/CFD tools for validating hand calculations.

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\n$50 - $52 an hour\n

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team.  This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility.  A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R  §120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.

Compensation The hourly rate for this intern role is $50-$52 per hour. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant academic experience, competencies, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above.

Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Irvine, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Why Join Field AI?

We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.