Mechanical Engineer Intern at Droyd in San Francisco, CA

Thought process

Thought process

About the Team

Droyd builds autonomous robotic systems that automate repetitive manual work in real environments. We design and manufacture our hardware in-house, which means iteration, fabrication, and execution all happen under one roof.

Our robots operate in production settings, which means mechanical design must be practical, manufacturable, and tightly integrated with electronics and actuation. Our mechanical team designs and builds the physical systems that make our robots work — this team spends as much time prototyping and testing as it does designing.

About the Role

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Droyd, you will work hands-on on real robotic hardware. You will help design, build, and iterate on mechanical subsystems that ship to production robots.

This is not a CAD-only role. You will be expected to prototype, test, and refine designs alongside full-time engineers.

This role is based on-site in San Francisco, CA.

In This Role, You'll

Design & Analysis

• Support mechanical subsystem design from concept through prototype and iteration
• Create and modify CAD models for parts and assemblies
• Help perform basic load calculations, testing, and analysis
• Design parts for rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing and CNC machining

Prototyping & Build

• Build and assemble prototypes using 3D printers, hand tools, and shop equipment
• Help integrate mechanical designs with motors, sensors, and basic mechatronic components
• Iterate quickly based on test results and engineering feedback

Documentation & Collaboration

• Document designs, tests, and learnings
• Work alongside full-time engineers across mechanical, electrical, and software
• Communicate progress, blockers, and findings clearly

Work Environment & Schedule

• On-site in San Francisco, CA
• Part-time or full-time internship, balanced with school commitments

We're Looking For Candidates Who

• Are current juniors or seniors (or equivalent) studying mechanical engineering or a related field
• Have hands-on experience from clubs, personal projects, or coursework involving physical hardware
• Can show examples of projects taken from concept to a physical build
• Are comfortable using modern CAD tools (Onshape preferred, but not required)
• Are willing to balance school and work in a fast-paced, build-heavy environment
• Take ownership, learn quickly, and enjoy working with real hardware

Nice to have:

• Experience with FEA, topology optimization, or generative design
• Exposure to machining, tolerancing, or manufacturing workflows
• Familiarity with electronics, motors, or control systems
• Interest in industrial or visual design

About Droyd

Droyd builds autonomous robotic systems that operate in real production environments. We design the hardware, develop the control stack, and generate the data that enables generalist robotics.

If we do this right, robots stop being demos and start being infrastructure.

Join us and help build the systems that make it real.