Hardware Test Intern at SPAN in San Francisco, CA

Our Mission

At SPAN, we are building products to enable the rapid adoption of renewable energy. As more distributed energy resources like solar and storage come onto the grid, it’s increasingly important to be able to improve the technology that sits between the grid, the home, and those distributed energy resources. SPAN’s smart panel replaces the electrical panel to become the center for connected power in the home. With SPAN, homeowners receive all the safety features of a standard panel with revolutionary insights and edge-of-grid controls through our mobile app.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Hardware test engineers and Design team in planning an executing a variety of tests including UL Certification testing, prototyping, mechanical and electrical design validation and verification testing.

• Conduct testing and data analysis on tests from the component level (PCBA) to the system level.

• Help to refine, and operate test fixtures and automated setups for a variety of studies.

• Collect and analyze test performance data, document failures, and work with the design team to promote improvements.

• Prepare clear documentation, including testing SOPs, DOEs, test plans, logs, and final reports summarizing key findings.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Hardware, Firmware, Systems Engineering, Reliability, and Manufacturing to drive corrective actions.

• Assist in ensuring SPAN meets UL, IEC, and internal safety/reliability requirements for residential electrical products.

As we are a startup, this list should be considered neither exhaustive nor complete. We are excited for people to explore responsibilities outside their normal areas of expertise if the need or interest arises.

About You

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

• Hands-on approach whether it be building a prototype or performing testing, comfortable using lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, benchtop supplies, thermo couples, data loggers and a variety of shop tools, Mills, Lathe, etc.

• Familiarity with CAD software such as Solidworks or Fusion360

• Curiosity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to solve complex, ambiguous hardware challenges.

• Some experience developing and running validation and verification tests including mechanical, and electrical stress testing.

Bonus Qualifications

• Python experience

• Advanced statistical analysis techniques and familiarity with stats programs

• Experience with Certification testing and working with vendors

The Internship position has a duration of 12 weeks and will run from June 16th- September 4th, 2026. Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, and have not graduated prior to end of the Internship term.

The hourly rate for this role is $32/ hour for undergrad students, and $35/hr for Masters or PhD students.

Life at SPAN

SPAN embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Headquartered in San Francisco’s vibrant SoMa neighborhood, we are an eclectic group of creative thinkers who value open communication, teamwork, and a ‘make it happen’ approach to addressing complex challenges.

We’re hiring talented individuals who are driven by success and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy. If that sounds like you, we’d love for you to consider joining the rapidly growing team at SPAN.

The Perks:

⚡ Great opportunity to begin your career at a mission driven climate focused company

⚡ Competitive compensation at a well-funded, venture-backed company

⚡ Comfortable, sunny office space located near BART and Caltrain public transit

⚡ Strong focus on team-building and company culture (events, meet-ups, clubs)

Interested in joining our team? Submit an application today and we’ll be in touch with next steps!