Scale Prototyping Shop Intern at Innovation Works in Pittsburgh, PA

Summary: Innovation Works is a company that facilitates the formation, launch, and growth of robotics startups. The Scale Prototyping Shop Intern will support product development from idea through prototyping to manufacturing at scale, ensuring a clean and safe prototyping environment while assisting robotics startups with their projects. Responsibilities: - Set up, maintain, and implement equipment preventative maintenance and repair procedures; organize equipment manuals and technical documentation - Maintain a culture of safety for themselves and others while working in a shared shop - Troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues with prototyping equipment - Fabricate electrical and mechanical systems based on technical documentation provided by RF-users or RF Scale teammates - Support Robotics Factory Residents in fabricating their prototypes - Ensure the shop stays clean, safe, and well-organized by checking inventory, tidying up, and inspiring Residents to follow shop procedures - Support the addition of new supplies, equipment, and software needed to assist startup companies - Communicate effectively with RF-users & IW staff that possess a wide range of skills & experience - Use the Scale Shop resources to assist startup companies with mechanical fabrication, testing, and design for manufacturability - Support the Manufacturing team in providing Level 1 & Level 2 Safety Training - Support the Manufacturing team in regular preventative maintenance and repair of the Scale Shop equipment - Assist in selecting prototyping equipment - Support Innovation Works events, particularly RF Scale community building events like Tear Downs, First Thursday, and open shop Build Nights - Review and provide feedback on the design and technical documentation - Assist RF-users in electrical and mechanical component selection and procurement - Create training and educational materials for design and fabrication techniques that utilize Scale Shop equipment Required Qualifications: - Academic background in mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics engineering (or related fields) - Hands-on experience with basic prototyping tools: soldering, breadboarding, 3D printing, CAD, etc - Familiarity with microcontrollers (Arduino, etc.) and simple circuits - Interest in sharing knowledge and helping others troubleshoot technical challenges - Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills - Ability to work flexible hours as needed Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with circuit design software (e.g., KiCad, Eagle) - Programming experience in Python or C/C++ - Robotics or automation projects (coursework or personal) - Prior experience in a makerspace, lab, or shared workshop - Experience using electronic testing and analysis equipment (e.g., digital storage oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers) for performing signal analysis and data interpretation - Experience analyzing, selecting, and sourcing electronic components for custom electromechanical systems and PCBs - Entrepreneurial experience; ability to work with budgets, estimate costs, and manage time - Experience working directly with external customers in a service capacity Required Skills: Mechanical engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechatronics engineering, Prototyping tools, Soldering, Breadboarding, 3D printing, CAD, Microcontrollers, Circuit design, Python programming, C/C++ programming, Electronic testing, analysis equipment, Knowledge sharing Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience., Health, dental, and vision insurance., 403(b) with company match., Paid time off and holiday pay., Opportunities for career growth and continued training.