# Mechanical Engineer Intern (Spring-Summer 2026) at Deft AI > Onsite · United States · Intern · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/ashby%3Adeft-ai%3A1bef1405-cd24-4da7-b1e7-0ca02e8f5eb2 (read 2026-11-05). ## Facts (observed) - Company: [Deft AI](https://alderhq.app/companies/deft-ai) - Location text: San Francisco - Where it can be done from (inferred): Onsite · United States (evidence: "Location: San Francisco") - Posted: 2026-04-15 (204 days ago) - First seen by alder: 2026-11-02 · last verified: 2026-11-03 - Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times - Apply on the employer's site: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/deft-ai/1bef1405-cd24-4da7-b1e7-0ca02e8f5eb2 - Skills listed (inferred): Python ## Pay and sponsorship - Posted pay: $42k–$114k per year (from the listing's pay field) - Market band for similar posted roles (SF Bay Area, n 123): p25 $73k, median $98k, p75 $120k ## Description (the employer's text) ### What to Expect ● This position is expected to start ASAP in March 2026 and continue through the Summer term (ending approximately August 2026) if available and there is an opportunity to do so. ● Our internship program is intended for students currently enrolled in an academic program. Internships typically require a minimum commitment of 12 weeks and are expected to be full-time and on-site during the summer. During the academic semester, part-time participation may be arranged to accommodate class schedules. Recent graduates seeking employment after graduation and not returning to school should apply for full-time positions, not internships. ● During your internship at Deft Robotics, you will be working on interesting new robotic humanoid hand/end-effector designs and new architectural concepts for Deft’s next generation wheeled humanoid robot, cooperating with and reporting directly to the CEO. ### What you'll do ● Design parts and assemblies in CAD ● Apply analytical methods for the design and optimization of structures for mass, stiffness, cost, and manufacturing (hand calcs, tolerance analysis, FEA simulations, etc.) ● Fabricate prototypes and iterate rapidly from concept to volume production ● Work closely with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and develop implementations ● Integrate actuators, sensors, and electronics including wiring into a space-efficient package conducive for assembly and serviceability ● Manage suppliers to execute projects according to the design specifications and tight timelines ● Develop specifications and accelerated test plans to validate the product for its determined lifetime ● Design fixtures and equipment for testing and calibration in prototype and production environments ### Required Qualifications ● Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or equivalent degree ● Proficiency in designing parts and assemblies using 3D modeling software (Onshape preferred) ● Experience drafting engineering drawings and conducting tolerance stack-up analysis (GD&T is a bonus) ● Hands-on prototyping experience ● Experience with designing for both low volume manufacturing and high volume manufacturing ● Experience taking designs from initial concept through to mass production ● Basic understanding of electrical and thermal design fundamentals. ● Familiarity with PCBAs and electronics packaging ● Familiarity with the interdependencies between electronics, mechanics and embedded software ● Excellent communication skills and ability to work in unstructured and high-pressure environments ● Understanding of how to balance development speed versus product quality ● Problem solving with first principles thinking ● Curious and hungry to learn and grow ### Preferred Qualifications ● Experience with DFMEA ● Python/Matlab knowledge, both in data structure management, UI development, symbolic equations, and iterative solvers ● Familiarity with design for injection molding, overmolding, and polymers ### Benefits Medical, dental & vision plans ($0 payroll deduction) Daily meals stipend ### Expected Compensation ● $20-$55/hr + benefits --- Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/ashby%3Adeft-ai%3A1bef1405-cd24-4da7-b1e7-0ca02e8f5eb2 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.