R&D Intern, Sensor Characterization and… at SandboxAQ · Palo Alto

Summary: SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The R&D Intern will design and run sensor characterization experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with teams to improve navigation simulations and sensor performance recommendations. Responsibilities: - Conduct hands-on characterization measurements of candidate sensors, designing and executing experiments to capture key performance parameters (e.g., noise, stability, linearity, bandwidth) - Analyze experimental data rigorously using statistical and signal-processing techniques to quantify sensor performance and uncertainty - Integrate characterized sensor parameters into navigation simulations to assess their impact on overall system performance and accuracy across representative mission scenarios - Develop comparative performance models and visualizations that clearly highlight trade-offs between different sensor options (e.g., accuracy vs. cost vs. robustness) - Produce a comprehensive sensor performance trade report that ties sensor-level metrics to system-level navigation outcomes and provides clear, data-driven recommendations - Where appropriate, incorporate cost and supply-chain considerations into your analysis to strengthen the overall business case for sensor selection - Collaborate closely with the hardware, data, and navigation teams - Present findings and recommendations to product leadership, iterating on the study design as new data, constraints, or opportunities emerge Required Qualifications: - Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate or graduate program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field - Hands-on experience working with physical sensors (e.g., inertial, magnetic, or related), including data collection, basic calibration, and noise/performance characterization - Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar, including statistical analysis and visualization of experimental results - Strong writing and communication skills, with prior experience writing or presenting technical reports or project deliverables that synthesize data, methods, and conclusions - Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment Preferred Qualifications: - Experience designing and executing sensor test campaigns, including test planning, instrumentation, and experimental design - Prior internships, co-ops, or lab experience in an R&D, hardware, or systems engineering setting Required Skills: Electrical Engineering, Data Analysis, Sensor Characterization Important Skills: Python, MATLAB